Electromechanical information browsing device

ABSTRACT

An electromechanical information browsing device that controls page flipping actions of information displayed as an e-book on a display device. The browsing device includes a controller that provides tactile feedback so as to lessen the user-interface differences between conventional books and e-books. Sensors and control mechanisms in the controller generate a series of electrical signals that are interpreted by the computer that displays the e-book to control various browsing operations, such as flipping pages, controlling a rate of page flipping, jumping to pre-set locations in the e-book, etc.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0001] This application claims the right to priority from parentprovisional application serial number 60/318,638 filed on Sep. 13, 2001.This application contains subject matter related to that described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,909,207, U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,384, copending U.S. patentapplications, Ser. No. 09/571,361, filed May 15, 2000; Ser. No.09/617,043, filed Jul. 14, 2000, Ser. No. 09/686,902, filed Oct. 12,2000, and Ser. No. 09/686,965, filed Oct. 12, 2000, each of which beingincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a computer hardware and softwaresystem including a computer input device that can be operativelycombined with several methods of display on a computer screen undersoftware and hardware control for the purpose of browsing through,information, such as documents stored in a computer readable memory. Theinvention facilitates the browsing of a document stored in a computerreadable memory in such a way that it allows a rapid view of whatcontents are present and the organization of the material in thedocument, as well as rapid access to the items in the document involved.Specifically, the present invention relates to mechanical browsingdevices that provide a mechanical interface to a users' fingers in sucha way that users can receive force and frictional feedback so that thecontrol of the browsing process can be effected at high speed andaccuracy and without unnecessary stress to the fingers and hands.Another aspect of the present invention concerns the complex displaysand manipulations of flipping pages in a virtual book effected by themechanical browsing device or other devices.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background

[0005] Currently, the method that is mainly used for viewing documentsstored in a computer is through a computer monitor screen. For documentsthat are longer/larger than can be contained within one screen, a userinput device is provided to scroll the document up and down or to jumpto a particular point in the document (through the use of, for example,a “mouse” coupled with scroll bars at the edges of the documentdisplayed on the screen or through the use of hypertext links).

[0006] However, as recognized by the present inventors most people donot find this a particularly convenient way to view a document, ascompared with a book. That this is true is evidenced in that despite thefact that the computer has been in increasing use, there is not only nocorresponding reduction in paper use, but an increase in paper quantityis required to print what is conveniently stored in a computer that canbe seemingly easily and flexibly manipulated for viewing. Sometimes theprinted version of the information involved is necessary, like in thecase of printing a picture on a sheet of paper to be pasted on somesurface (e.g., a wall), or in the case of the convenience of having arelatively light, hardy paperback book for reading in almost anypossible situation and location, but there are times when a reader isquite happy to sit at a desk in front of a desktop computer or handle anotebook computer away from the desk, and yet the reader would stillprefer a printed version of the document in a hand-held format. This isespecially true in the case of looking through manuals, includingsoftware manuals, to understand how to operate a device or softwareapplication. The irony is that computer software packages usually comewith thick and heavy manuals containing information that can easily bestored on a light-weight CD-ROM, and even if the manuals are sometimesdispensed in the form of a CD-ROM, more often than not people wouldprint them out into a hard-copy format in order to facilitate reading.

[0007] What is involved when one interacts with the printed material ina book is a subtle and complicated process. To start with, material in abook is presented in a sequential order, with a continuity of materialfrom page to page, and there is also a hierarchical structure in thematerial presented (as the material is organized into chapters,sections, subsections, etc.) because ideas in the material are relatedto each other in some kind of conceptual hierarchy. The human perceptualsystem inputs data in a sequential manner, and after a book is read fromthe beginning to the end in a sequential fashion, the brain thenrecreates the conceptual hierarchy after viewing the material involved.However, very often one does not read a book (or input the materialinvolved) from the beginning to the end because (a) one wants to have anoverview of the material present; (b) one is searching for something ofinterest to him/her; or (c) one is interested in reading only portionsof the book (in the case of, say, reading the manual to understand howto operate something). In these cases, one browses through the subjectbook to find the material of unique interest to that reader.

[0008] Two basic things are achieved in the browsing process. First, thebrowser has a glimpse of what are the contents of the book document.Second, the browser has an idea of approximately where the items ofinterest are so that the browser can (a) return to look for them laterwhen needed, and (b) have an understanding of the relationships betweenthe material currently being viewed and other material (i.e., anunderstanding of the hierarchical structure involved). When browsing abook document, many finger-operations are required of the browser inorder to flip through the pages and, together with the inherentsequential order imposed by the pages, very quickly allow the browser tohave an understanding of the nature, location and organization of thematerial involved.

[0009] In the process of browsing through a book, one can perform thefollowing operations:

[0010] (a) flip through the pages at varying speeds depending on thelevel of detail at which one wishes to view the material in the book;

[0011] (b) jump to the approximate location of the item of interest;

[0012] (c) change the direction of flipping (forward or backward) veryrapidly because

[0013] (i) one would like to compare and contrast material on differentpages,

[0014] (ii) after jumping to an approximate location of some items ofinterest one would like to find their exact locations, or

[0015] (iii) one is unsure of where the item of interest is and is inthe process of searching for it; and

[0016] (d) mark the locations of some pages of interest that one maywant to later return.

[0017] All these operations are performed very rapidly with the fingersinteracting with the flipping pages and with minimal unnecessarymovements of the fingers and hands. Interestingly, a book/magazine withsoft and flexible pages is harder to handle because more finger and handmovements are needed to browse through it, while books with stiff pagescan be browsed with almost no movement of the hand.

[0018] In currently available methods of browsing through documentsstored in a computer, e.g., the use of a mouse combined with scroll barsand buttons on the computer screen, more movements of the hands arenecessary to effect the various operations described above. Also, finecontrol of the hand or fingers (depending on whether the mouse uses handmovement to move the cursor on the screen or finger movement like in thecase of a track ball) is necessary to position the cursor on the screenat the required places. The process is both lengthy and clumsy. Thelengthiness of the process taxes the human short term memory's abilityto remember items encountered in the recent past for the purpose ofestablishing the relationships between items and the clumsiness of theprocess creates distraction and interferes with the short term memoryprocess, a well known effect in perceptual psychology.

[0019] Because material in a book is organized into pages, it alsoenhances the ability of the reader to better remember the location ofvarious portions of the material involved. Also, unlike the process ofscrolling through a document on a screen like what is normally done in aword-processor, wherein the contents become a blur and reading isimpossible, when one moves through the material in a book throughflipping, one is still able to read at least the approximate contents,if not the details. It is due to these features that a person browsingthrough a book can acquire a good understanding of its contents, thelocation of specific items and organization of the material.

[0020] It is because of the reasons set forth above, people still preferto read a book in their hands, rather than a document image displayed ona computer screen using currently available methods.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,102 (Kuno et al.) discloses a device fordocument viewing that consists of two display screens. One of thepurposes of using two display screens is to allow the user to displaytwo different pages from the document so that they can be readside-by-side (e.g., a diagram and its textual explanation). Anotherpurpose is to allow a large picture to be displayed simultaneously onboth pages. The Kuno et al. device allows users to change the speed ofmovement through the document through a pressure sensor—the morepressure applied, the faster the pages in the document are movedthrough. The Kuno et al. device also allows the document to be viewed inthe forward or backward direction by pressing on a forward sensor areaor a reverse sensor area respectively. One can also select a page tojump to by pressing on an icon displayed on the screen. However the Kunoet al. device still does not provide the same convenience as browsingthrough a book, primarily because when switching between the operationsfor different controls—the speed of movement through the document, thechange of direction of viewing, and the jumping to different parts ofthe document—there are a lot more hand and finger movements than is thecase in manipulating a physical book. Moreover, the Kuno et al. deviceis a specialized, relatively costly device with sensors and hardwarebuilt onto two display screens, whereas the present inventor recognizesthat a lower cost and more practical device would be one that addsmodularly to the existing computer system.

[0022] Currently, there are also computer mice that can eliminate theabove-mentioned problem of positioning cursor on the computer screenwith a conventional mouse (i.e., fine control of the hand or fingers isneeded). These mice allow the user to specify “hot locations” on thescreen on which the cursor “homes onto” with less fine control thanconventional mice. Furthermore, a subset of these mice can generate“vertical only” or “horizontal only” movement of the cursor so that thescrolling process requires less fine control of the muscle than isrequired with a conventional mouse. These mice eliminate some, but notall, of the problems associated with the conventional methods ofcomputer input as far as computer-based document browsing is concerned.

[0023] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,575 (1995) McTaggart discloses anelectronic book that comprises laminated sheets bound together in theform of a book. On each of these sheets, printed material is arranged onthe top layer and below that layer is an electronic backdrop containingthin light-emitting diodes (LED's) and pressure sensitive switchesaffixed onto a backing sheet. The LED's generate visual signals that canbe seen through the top layer for the purpose of highlighting parts ofthe printed material. The pressure switches, positioned under certainitems in the printed material, are for the purpose of sensing the user'sselection of those items. A speaker is also provided on the book togenerate audio signals for explaining the text or giving the user audiofeedback. Contact or photo-sensitive switches are also embedded in thepages to allow the electronic circuits to know which pages are currentlybeing viewed, so that the appropriate audio and visual signals can begenerated. Even though this apparatus is in a form that allows a personto handle it like handling a typical book, with visual and audioenhancements of the printed material as well as facilities that acceptthe user's feedback, it is basically a hard-wired device that is notreprogrammable and different hardware has to be configured for bookswith different contents. No provision is available for downloadingdocument files from a computer for display on the electronic book nor isthe electronic book able to display any arbitrary document file. Thisdevice is hence not suitable for browsing through documents stored in acomputer.

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,207 (Ho) discloses a computer-based systemthat allows users to view and manipulate documents in the form of anelectronic virtual book that addresses the above problems in browsinginformation in the electronic medium. This virtual book system simulatesthe paper book very closely and has two major components. One is therepresentation of the paper book on the computer screen, complete withrealistic flipping pages and thickness representation. The other is theuse of a browsing device that allows 1m, rapid change of direction offlipping, 2. rapid change of speed of flipping, 3. selection and jumpingto any desired page, and 4. bookmarking of the pages. The browsingdevice allows one to use the fingers to manipulate the pages in the bookmuch in the same way as in the case of the paper book. Therefore, thevirtual manipulation of the pages together with the book image on thescreen constitute a virtual book system. This virtual book systemimproves on the methods used in current electronic means of informationbrowsing in a very significant way such that the ease of browsinginformation can approach that obtainable with a paper book. This allowsusers to be able to quickly browse through a large number of pages(perhaps thousands of pages) of information and obtain the idea of thestructure and contents involved and hence a good overview of the entirecollection of material in the “virtual book”. Other than being able tohave a good idea of the structure and contents of the material involved,the process of browsing through the material presented in the form of avirtual book much like in the case of the paper book also facilitatessubsequent searches for items in the material.

[0025] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,207 (Ho) the virtual book browsing devicethat mainly includes a pressure and position sensor. The pressure thefinger exerts on the pressure sensor controls the speed of flippingthrough the pages of the virtual book. The movement of the finger on theposition sensor on the browsing device in the virtual book systemcorresponds to the movement of the finger on the thickness of the paperbook to select a page to jump to. The combination of the pressure andposition sensor therefore allows one to rapidly browse through thevirtual book.

[0026] However, the method of speed and page-jumping control in U.S.Pat. No. 5,909,207 (Ho) suffers from one shortcoming. Because anelectronic pressure and position sensor is used, it is not able toprovide the user with force and frictional feedback. Because ourmotor/muscular system is adapted to function in the real physical world,it expects resistance when it exerts forces on objects. This allows itto precisely determine the amount of force to exert in order to bringabout certain desired consequences. It is because of this nature of themotor/muscular system that despite the fact that electronic touch padshave been widely in use on, say, notebook computers to allow one to usethe finger to control the “mouse” cursor on the computer screen, manypeople still prefer to use, say, a physical “mouse” to control thecursor. The physical mouse, when moving on a table top, encountersfriction and this information is fed back to the motor systemcontrolling it through the fingers, hand and arm. This informationfacilitates the motor system's sending the right kind of neural signalsto control the fingers/hand/arm that in turn control the mouse toposition the cursor very rapidly and accurately on the computer screen,with minimum stress to the neural system. An analogous situation existsin the case of the virtual book system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,207 (Ho).A mechanical browsing device that feeds back information on force andfriction will bring about highest accuracy and speed and minimum stressto the browsing process for the virtual book.

[0027] Also, presently, the methods for manipulating flipping pages in avirtual book that have been described in a number of patents (e.g., U.S.Pat No. 5,909,207, Ho) are confined to mainly very simple and basicmanipulations of single or multiple flipping pages. For example, whenmultiple pages are being flipped across the computer screen, there is nomeans to control these pages individually. However, when one or morepages are flipping across a virtual book, a lot more information can beobtained from them (e.g., on the contents and structure of the virtualbook) and in a quicker way, and the visual search process for desireditems in the virtual book can be made a lot more efficient if the useris allowed to manipulate these flipping pages in more complex andflexible ways.

[0028] Therefore, the inventor has identified there exists a need for amechanical browsing device for the virtual book system for rapidbrowsing of information and there also exists a need for more complexmethods of displaying and manipulating the flipping pages on a virtualbook to better obtain information from the virtual book.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0029] In view of the aforementioned short-comings of presentlyavailable schemes for constructing a browsing device to be used inconjunction with a computer and/or a handheld electronic device for thepurpose of browsing through electronic documents, one objective of thepresent invention is to provide a mechanical browsing device to providebetter accuracy and speed of control as well as lower stress to themotor neural system that controls it.

[0030] Another objective of the present invention is to provide amechanical browsing device that exploits the use of finger operationsnormally involved in browsing through a book, namely, the change ofspeed of movement through the document involved, the change of directionof movement through the document, the jumping to other portions of thedocument, and the bookmarking of pages (e.g., when a page is bookmarked,it can be returned/jumped to later very quickly by using the controlsoperated by the fingers).

[0031] A further objective of the present invention is to provide anumber of different mechanical browsing devices that provide differentmechanical sensor interfaces for the control of the user's finger orother instruments. For example, the mechanical control interface canprovide a sliding motion effected in x-, y- and z-directions, or arocking or rotating motion effected around some predetermined axes.

[0032] Still a further objective of the invention is to provide adual-resistance method for the mechanical browsing device's actions.

[0033] Another objective of the invention is that the positioning anddesign of the controls for the above-mentioned operations performed bythe fingers are such that they allow almost no movement of the hand andminimal movements of the fingers, thus maximizing the ease of browsingthrough the stored document. The dexterity of the human fingers is to befully exploited for these controls.

[0034] Another objective of the invention is to provide a means todisplay, on the computer screen, the document to be browsed throughusing the browsing device. The display is in the form of a computer booktogether with showing the thicknesses of material in the document beforeand after the currently viewed material, showing of the bookmarks, andshowing, on the thicknesses, of the location of the pages that would bejumped to at any given time if jumping were to be effected.

[0035] Another objective of the invention is to provide a means todisplay, on the computer screen, a number of flipping pages under thecontrol of the browsing device.

[0036] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a means todisplay, on the computer screen, the change of direction of flipping ofselected groups of single or collections of flipping pages in thecomputer book.

[0037] Another objective of the invention is to provide the means todisplay, on the computer screen, the freezing and unfreezing actions ofa number of flipping pages in the computer book.

[0038] Still another objective of the invention is to provide the meansto display, on the computer screen, the launching and flipping of asequence of single pages and/or collections of pages.

[0039] Another objective of the invention is to provide the means todisplay, on the computer screen, the picking up and flipping about of asingle page or a collection of pages.

[0040] Another objective of the invention is to provide the means todisplay, on the computer screen, the picking up and holding of a singlepage or a collection of pages followed by the flipping and collection ofa number of other pages onto this held page.

[0041] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide the means todisplay, on the computer screen, the creation of “sub-books” within acomputer book within which the usual browsing and manipulation of pagescan be carried out.

[0042] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method, usingthe browsing device or other means, for launching a number of flippingpages on the computer book, changing the direction of flipping ofselected groups of single or collections of flipping pages in thecomputer book, actuating the freezing and unfreezing actions of a numberof flipping pages in the computer book, launching and flipping of asequence of single pages and/or collections of pages, picking up andflipping about of a single page or a collection of pages, picking up andholding of a single page or a collection of pages followed by theflipping and collection of a number of other pages onto this held page,and creating “sub-books” within a computer book within which the usualbrowsing and manipulation of pages can be carried out.

[0043] Still another objective of the invention is to provide a computertouch screen method to control the various complex flipping actions.

[0044] Another objective of the invention is to provide the means todisplay, on the computer screen, both sides of a flipping page in acomputer book.

[0045] Another objective of the invention is to provide a means todisplay, on the computer screen, the fine control mechanisms forcontrolling a cursor used for selecting and jumping to a desired page.

[0046] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for thefine control mechanisms for controlling a cursor used for selecting andjumping to a desired page.

[0047] Still another objective of the invention is to provide a means todisplay, on the computer screen, a computer book whose one side is bentin such a way as to reduce the amount of space needed to display thecomputer book on a computer screen.

[0048] Another objective of the invention is to use the above-mentionedbrowsing facility in conjunction with other software that can reorganizethe material in the document involved to facilitate browsing/viewing—forexample, the positioning of material for comparison side by side on thepages currently being viewed.

[0049] Another objective of the invention is to use the above-mentionedbrowsing facility in conjunction with software that can highlightselected portions of the material or annotate on the pages in thedocument involved to facilitate browsing/viewing/reading.

[0050] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide theabove-mentioned browsing facility to a word processor to facilitate theentering, processing, and viewing/browsing of material in a wordprocessor.

[0051] Another objective of the invention is to provide theabove-mentioned browsing facility to any software in which informationcannot be fitted within one computer screen for viewing or manipulating.

[0052] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a newmetaphor—the “library metaphor”—to the computer operating system's humaninterface in which information on the computer screen which istraditionally presented in the form of windows can now be presented inthe form of “books”.

[0053] The above-mentioned objects can also be achieved by providing abrowsing device for browsing through document that includes, a topsurface, a sensor surface and a bottom surface. A mechanical sensor onthe sensor surface detects x-, y-, z, translational movements of afinger or instrument or its rocking and rotational movement around somespecific axes. The browsing device also includes four buttons/on-offswitches on the bottom surface, and four additional buttons/on-offswitches on the said top surface, each of which is operated by thefingers. An electrical circuit converts the force and position of thefinger on the sensor area as detected by the force and position sensorson that area into electrical forms and outputs them. The electricalcircuit also outputs the on/off states of the four buttons/on-offswitches on the bottom surface, and four additional buttons/on-offswitches on the said top surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of theattendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the samebecomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

[0055]FIG. 1 is the block diagram of the browsing device according tothe present invention, detailing input commands and output signals.

[0056] FIGS. 2-3 are schematic perspective views of a first embodimentof the browsing device.

[0057] FIGS. 4-5 are respective top and bottom perspective views of thebrowsing device configured from a left-hand and a right-hand piece to beused in conjunction with a computer.

[0058]FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a computer book displayed on ascreen that is to be browsed through using browsing device of thepresent invention.

[0059] FIGS. 7-10 show the top perspective views of a mechanical sensorsurface used in a number of basic mechanical methods for creatingvarious page-flipping commands in a computer book.

[0060]FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a mechanical sensor surfacefor generating page-flipping commands using a mechanical dual-resistanceregion method.

[0061]FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of themechanical browsing device using movement along two translational axesfor the generation of browsing signals.

[0062]FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of themechanical browsing device using a cylindrical roller for its mechanicalsensor surface and using one translational movement and one rotationalmovement for the generation of browsing signals.

[0063]FIG. 14 is a front perspective of an embodiment of the mechanicalbrowsing device using a rocking movement for its mechanical sensorsurface and using one translational movement and one rotational movementfor the generation of browsing signals.

[0064]FIG. 15 is a front perspective of an embodiment of the mechanicalbrowsing device using a platform for its mechanical sensor surface andusing one translational movement and one rotational movement for thegeneration of browsing signals.

[0065]FIG. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of the mechanical browsingdevice using a dual-resistance method for the generation of browsingsignals.

[0066]FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing aflipping process according to the present invention.

[0067]FIG. 18 is a top perspective views of a few computer books showingthe process of jumping to a selected page.

[0068]FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a computer book at thebeginning of some complex flipping processes.

[0069]FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of all the flipping pages.

[0070]FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of a trailing page.

[0071]FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of a group of trailing pages.

[0072]FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing theopening up of a region in the flipping pages.

[0073]FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of the trailing page in a right subgroup of flippingpages.

[0074]FIG. 25 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of a number of trailing pages in a right subgroup offlipping pages.

[0075]FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing thechange of direction of a number of trailing pages in a left subgroup offlipping pages, FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a computer bookshowing the freezing of flipping actions of the pages in the midst offlipping across the computer book.

[0076]FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing acollection of flipping pages followed by a series of single flippingpages.

[0077]FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing morethan one collection of flipping pages together with a number of singleflipping pages.

[0078]FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing aright-hand page being picked up.

[0079]FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing apicked-up page being held and flipped about.

[0080]FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing apicked-up page being held while other pages return to their respectiveresting positions on the left and right sides of the computer book.

[0081]FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing acollection of pages being held and flipped about.

[0082]FIG. 34 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing anumber of single pages and collections of pages being held and flippedabout.

[0083]FIG. 35 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing asingle page being held while a number of other flipping pages arecollected onto it.

[0084] FIGS. 36A-C are top perspective views of a computer book showingthe effect of holding a single page and collecting a number of flippingpages onto it, as well as pages being released and split.

[0085]FIG. 37 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing acollection of pages being held and forming a sub-book together with theright side thickness of the computer book while flipping and browsingactions are carried out on a number of pages between them.

[0086]FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing twocollections of pages being held forming a sub-book between them whileflipping and browsing actions are carried out on a number of pagesbetween them.

[0087]FIG. 39 is a list of the basic and complex flipping actionsaccording to the present invention.

[0088]FIG. 40 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing theuse of specific regions on the computer book through a touch screen toeffect some basic flipping actions.

[0089]FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing theuse of specific regions on the computer book through a touch screen toeffect some complex flipping actions.

[0090]FIG. 42 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing theuse of specific regions on the computer book through a touch screen toeffect the opening-up actions of some regions on the flipping pages.

[0091]FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing amethod of displaying the flipping pages that involved curling the pagesuntil both sides of them can be seen.

[0092]FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of part of a computer bookshowing the mechanisms for fine jump control.

[0093]FIG. 45 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing oneside of the computer book being bent inward for the purpose of reducingscreen space needed.

[0094]FIG. 46 is a top perspective view of a computer book showing oneside of the computer book being bent outward for the purpose of reducingscreen space needed.

[0095]FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of the browsing system thatincorporates the inventive browsing device of FIGS. 2-3.

[0096]FIG. 48 is a comparative schematic diagram ofdirectories/sub-directories in a “window” compared with pages of acomputer book that uses the flipping method of FIG. 17 in order to movethrough the book.

[0097]FIG. 49 is a comparative schematic diagram ofdirectories/sub-directories and the files in a “windows” system comparedwith chapters and sections in a computer book that uses the flippingmethod of FIG. 17 to move through the book.

[0098]FIG. 50 is a comparative schematic diagram of working windows in a“windows” system compared with pages of a computer book that uses theflipping method of FIG. 17 to move through the book.

[0099]FIG. 51 is a flowchart of a method for displaying a set ofinformation on a display screen as controlled by a browsing device.

[0100]FIG. 52 is a flowchart of a method for browsing a set ofinformation on a display screen.

[0101]FIG. 53 is a flowchart of a user-interface method according to thelibrary metaphor aspect of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0102] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, which depicts the browsingdevice 100 according to the present invention that can be used inconjunction with existing computer systems for the purpose of browsingthrough documents or any information stored in the computer. Fourbrowsing commands (101-104) are input and detected by the browsingdevice 100. These commands include the following: (a) direction ofmovement command 101, specifying whether a movement in a forwarddirection or in a backward direction through the document is to beperformed; (b) speed of movement command 102, specifying a speed of themovement described in (a); (c) jump to a specified point command 103,jumping to a specified location in the document or information involved;and (d) bookmarking command 104, specifying that certain portions of thedocument or the information involved is to be bookmarked. Based on thesecommands, signals are generated and output to effect the necessaryoperations in a computer system (e.g., computer 199 in FIG. 4) attachedto the browsing device 100.

[0103] FIGS. 2-3 depict one embodiment of the primary browsing device100 according to the present invention. The browsing device 100 includesa slanted surface 120, extending from a top surface 110 of the browsingdevice 100. The slanted surface 120 supports a user's thumb 122 on whichto rest, although the user may use another instrument or finger as well.During operation, four other fingers 141-144 are placed on a bottomsurface 130 of the device, opposed to the thumb 122.

[0104] On the slanted surface 120 a browsing controller 121 (theconstruction of which will be described below) detects signals toactivate one or more of the browsing commands specified above.Henceforth the direction of the slant is referred to as an x-direction,as shown in FIG. 2, where the positive x-direction points away from theedge that adjoins the top surface 110 and the slanted surface 120. Thepositive z-direction is defined to be a direction perpendicular to theslanted surface 120 and pointing “upward” from the slanted surface 120as shown in FIGS. 2-3.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 3, four buttons/switches 131-134 are placed onthe bottom surface 130, within easy reach of the four fingers (141-144)during those operations when these fingers (141-144) are placed on thebottom surface 130. On the top surface 110 of the device 100, anotherfour buttons/switches (111-114) are placed, preferably parallel to theedge adjoining the top surface 110 and the slanted surface 120, as shownin FIG. 2. The buttons (131-134, and 111-114) on the bottom and topsurfaces (130 and 110 respectively) are for the purposes of bookmarking.The use of these buttons (131-134, 111-114) depends on the particularconfiguration in which the browsing device 100 is used and has beendescribed in U.S. Pat No. 5,909,207 (Ho) and U.S. Pat No. 6,064,384(Ho), the entire contents of each of which being incorporated herein byreference. Other methods of using these buttons are described below.

[0106] Latching mechanisms 151 and 152 allow two pieces of the primarybrowsing device 100 to be joined together.

[0107] One use of the browsing device 100 depicted in FIGS. 2-3 would beto combine two pieces, a left-hand piece 161 and a right-hand piece 162in a composite browsing device 160 such as the one shown in FIGS. 4-5.The browsing device 160 is connected to a computer 199 or other kinds ofelectronic devices that include a processor. The command signals 101,102, 103, and 104 as depicted in FIG. 1 as detected by the browsingdevices 160 are used to control the browsing of document in a book-likeinterface displayed on the computer 199 or other kinds of electronicdevices, one embodiment of a book-like interface is depicted in FIG. 6.

[0108] The left-hand piece 161, as shown in FIG. 4, has a top surface141 on which 4 bookmarking buttons 180-183 are placed and a bottomsurface 142 on which another 4 bookmarking buttons 170-173 are placed.The left-hand piece 161 also has a slanted surface 191 on which abrowsing controller 163 is placed. The right-hand piece 162 has a topsurface 143 on which 4 bookmarking buttons 184-187 are placed and abottom surface 144 on which another 4 bookmarking buttons 174-177 areplaced. The right-hand piece 162 also has a slanted surface 192 on whicha browsing controller 164 is placed. The left browsing controller 163 iscontrolled by the left thumb 165 or another finger or instrument and theright browsing controller 164 is controlled by the right thumb 166 oranother finger or instrument.

[0109]FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a computer book 200 shown on acomputer screen 201 that is used to display electronic information on acomputer or computer-like device that can be controlled by some kind ofcomputer input device such as a computer mouse, a touch screen, thebrowsing device 100 depicted FIGS. 2-3, or the browsing device 160depicted in FIG. 4. The computer book 200 consists of any number offlipping pages, such as 202 and 203, a resting page 206 on the left anda resting page 207 on the right, left side thickness 210, left bottomthickness 211, right side thickness 212, right bottom thickness 213,bookmarks 220, 221, 222, and 223 on the left side thickness 210,bookmarks 230, 231, 232, and 233 on the right side thickness 212, jumpcursor 240 on the left side thickness 210, and jump cursor 241 on theright side thickness 212.

[0110] The particular embodiment of the computer book 200 in FIG. 6 isin the horizontal display mode. The computer book 200 can likewise beoriented on the computer screen 201 in a vertical display mode in whichthe pages are flipped from the top of the screen to the bottom of thescreen or vice versa, and the thicknesses and other features areaccordingly displayed. In general, the computer book 200 can be orientedin any direction on the computer screen 201.

[0111] The browsing device 160 as depicted in FIG. 4 can be used tocontrol the browsing of and movement through an electronic document on acomputer presented in the form of the computer book 200 depicted in FIG.6 in the following manner. The direction of movement command 101 (FIG.1), causes the flipping pages such as 202 and 203 to flip from right toleft or vice versa, depending on the direction desired. This can beachieved by a movement of the left and right thumbs 165 and 166 (or anyother fingers or instrument) on the left and right browsing controllers163 and 164 respectively on the browsing device 160.

[0112] One method to generate the direction of movement command 101involves using the right thumb 166 to apply a “downward” force (in the−z direction) on the left browsing controller 164 to effect a right toleft flipping movement of the pages (202, 203, etc.) and using the leftthumb 165 to apply a “downward” force (in the −z direction) on the rightbrowsing controller 166 to effect a left to right flipping movement ofthe pages (202, 203, etc.).

[0113] The speed of movement command 102 dictates the speed of movementthrough the document. Different speed of movement can be achieved bybasically two methods. In one method, the individual flipping pages(such as 202, 203, etc.) move faster or slower across the computerscreen 201. In another method, more or fewer flipping pages (such as202, 203, etc) go across the computer screen 201 at any given time. Thetwo methods can also be combined: for example, more pages going acrossthe screen at any give time as well as faster movement of each pageachieve a faster movement through the document. Therefore, for fasterspeed of movement through the document, the flipping pages move fasterand/or more pages are flipped across the computer screen 201 at the sametime. For slower speed of movement through the document, the flippingpages move slower and/or fewer pages are flipped across the computerscreen 201 at the same time.

[0114] One method to generate the speed of movement command 102 involvesusing the pressure of the thumbs 165 and 166 on the browsing controllers163 and 164 respectively to specify the desired speed of flipping fromleft to right and from right to left respectively. One method ofspecifying the speed is to use a larger pressure to signify a higherspeed and a smaller pressure to signify a lower speed.

[0115] To generate the jumping to a specified point command 103 thefirst step is to select the point in the document to jump to. One methodis to use the movement in the x-direction of the thumbs 165 and 166 onthe browsing controllers 163 and 164 respectively. Sliding the rightthumb 166, say, in the +x or −x direction causes the right jump cursor241 (FIG. 6) to move in the +x (down) and −x (up) direction respectivelyon the right side thickness 212 of the computer book 200. When a desiredpoint is selected, one method is to use the pressure (in the −zdirection) applied by the thumb (165 and 166) to the correspondingbrowsing controllers (163 and 164 respectively) to effect the jumping tothe specified point.

[0116] To generate the bookmarking command 104, one method is to use thebuttons 170-177 on the bottom of the browsing device 160 or the buttons180-187 on the top of the device 160. One method of using the buttons isas follows: buttons 174-177 or 184-187 on the right-hand device 162generate the corresponding bookmarks 230-233 on the right side thickness212 of the computer book 200, while buttons 170-173 or 180-183 on theleft-hand device 161 generate the corresponding bookmarks 220-223 on theleft side thickness 210 of the computer book 200. The bookmark, say,230, is generated when the computer book 200 is showing the page that itbookmarks, and the corresponding button 174 or 184 is depressed once.Later, to return to the page that the bookmark 230 bookmarks, the button174 or 184 is depressed once. There are basically two kinds ofbookmarks—permanent bookmarks and finger bookmarks. Permanent bookmarks,once created, are always there until a specific bookmark removal commandis given. A finger bookmark, on the other hand, is removed automaticallywhen the flipping of the pages in the document moves pass the page wherethe bookmark resides. This is the same process as the use of our fingersto bookmark pages of a physical book that we are browsing. The processof permanent and finger bookmarking have been described in U.S. Pat No.5,909,207 (Ho) and U.S. Pat No. 6,064,384 (Ho).

[0117] FIGS. 7-10 depict the basic canonical mechanical actions that afinger 310 or instrument can effect on a sensor surface (300-303) tospecify and activate the desired browsing commands 101-104. The methodsof generating the browsing commands 101-104 described above require x-,y- and z-direction, and possibly some rotational (r-direction) movementsof the finger. In the mechanical methods for generating browsingcommands 101-104 to be described, the finger 310 moves the sensorsurface (300-303) in one of 4 modes (306-309).

[0118] In Mode 306, the sensor surface 300 moves basically in the x andz directions. These movements are translational movements. Movement inthe y direction is also allowed. In Mode 307, the sensor surface 301translates in the z direction as well as rotates around an axis 320 thatlies close to the sensor surface's 301 midline—a line that goes throughthe center of gravity of the sensor surface 301 and parallel to one sideof the sensor surface 301. In Mode 308, the sensor surface 302translates in the x direction as well as rotates around an axis 321 thatlies some distance away from the sensor surface's 308 midline. In Mode309, the sensor surface 303 rotates around an axis 322 that is close tothe sensor surface's 303 midline as well as rotates around an axis 323that lies some distance away from the sensor surface's 303 midline. InModes 307-309, movement in the y-direction is also allowed (not shown inFIGS. 7-10).

[0119] Another way to derive specific signals from a moving mechanicalsensor surface is to use multiple resistance regions to oppose itsmovement. FIG. 11 depicts a basic canonical dual-resistance action thatcan be imposed on a sensor surface 400. The process is as follows.Firstly, through the use of springs or other resilient mechanisms, thesensor surface 400, when translating in the −z direction, say,experiences a certain magnitude of force 403, say, opposite itsdirection of movement while it is moving in the upper region 401. Then,when its −z direction translation movement enters a region 402, thesensor surface 400 will experience a second resisting force 404 inaddition to the first resisting force 403. The total force will be theaddition of force 403 and 404, thus resulting in a stronger resistingforce that the finger or instrument applying force on the sensor surface400 will receive compared to when only the first force 403 is present.The dual-resistance action can be generalized to triple or moreresistance action.

[0120]FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of a browsing controller 500 basedon the basic mechanical action Mode 306 (FIG. 7). The controller 500 hasof a movable control platform 501. This control platform 501 is coupledto a sensor surface 502 where the user's thumb or another finger orinstrument rests. The control platform 501 and the a sensor surface 502move in unison. The sensor surface 502, as well as the rest of themechanism associated with the control platform 501, is hidden by a cover503 so that when the entire browsing controller 500 is mounted in abrowsing device 100 (FIG. 1), say, only the sensor surface 502 isvisible and accessible to the thumb or other instrument. The sensorsurface 502 has grooves 504 or other frictional material coated on it,or formed in it, to provide friction to the finger or instrument actingon it.

[0121] The platform 501 can be translated in the x- or z-direction. Theplatform 501 slides in the x-direction within the frame 510. Grooves(such as groove 513) on the appropriate inner sides of the frame 510together with appropriate protruding parts from the platform 501 (notshown in FIG. 12) that fit into the grooves (such as groove 513)constrains the platform 501 to move within the frame 510. Springs 511and 512 within the frame 510 function to restore the platform 510 to theneutral position, which is when the platform rests against the “upper”edge 515 of the frame 510. The positive x-direction is as shown in FIG.12. When the platform 501 is moved in the positive x-direction by thethumb or another finger or instrument, the springs 511 and 512 arecompressed and as soon as the thumb's x-direction force is removed fromthe platform 501, the platform 501 will be returned to its neutralposition (resting against the edge 515).

[0122]FIG. 12 further depicts the mechanism by which the movement of theplatform 501 in the x-direction generates an x-position signal of theplatform 501 relative to the frame 510. On one edge 520 of the frame 510is coated a strip of thin film resistive material 522. A metallicpointer 523 sticking out from the movable platform 501 touches theresistive strip 522. The resistive strip 522 together with the metallicpointer 523 form a linear potentiometer from which the x-position of theplatform 501 can be determined. Two wires 524 and 525 are attached toboth ends of the resistive strip 522 and one wire 526 is attached to themetallic pointer 523. These wires allow electrical signals to be readfrom the linear potentiometer form by the resistive strip 522 and themetallic pointer 523.

[0123]FIG. 12 illustrates the mechanism by which the platform 501together with the frame 510 translates in the z-direction. Supports550-553 together with appropriate grooves on the appropriate inner sidesof the supports 550-553 (such as groove 554) and appropriate protrudingparts from the frame 510 (not shown in FIG. 12) that fit into thegrooves (such as groove 554) constrain the frame 510 to move only in thez-direction. Springs 555, 556, 585 and 586 (hidden) function to restorethe frame 510 and hence platform 501 to the neutral position, which isthe “highest” position in the positive z-direction along the supports550-553. Spring 557 together with a small platform 558 provides a secondresistance region for the movement of the frame 510 and platform 501 inthe negative z-direction. A conductor 571 is coated on the top surface570 of the small platform 558. This, together with a conductor 572coated on the corresponding bottom surface of the frame 510 forms aswitch that can generate an electrical signal to indicate that thesecond resistance region is reached. Wires 575 and 576 are connected toconductors 571 and 572 respectively to allow the reading of theelectrical signal. (A similar assembly that provides this secondresistance region is hidden from view in the corresponding opposite sideof the construction 500. This is for the purpose of providing asymmetrical “upward” or +z direction resistive force.)

[0124]FIG. 12 also illustrates the mechanism by which the movement ofthe platform 501 in the z-direction generates a z-position electricalsignal relative to the supports 550-553. On one corner of the frame 510a metallic pointer 560 extends from the frame 510. This pointer 560touches a resistive strip 561 mounted vertically and on one side of thesupport 552. Two wires 565 and 566 are attached to both ends of theresistive strip 561 and one wire 567 is attached to the metallic pointer560. The configuration comprising the metallic pointer 560 and theresistive strip 561 forms a linear potentiometer from which thez-position of the frame 510 and platform 501 can be measuredelectrically.

[0125] All the mechanisms hidden under the sensor surface 502 presentthe following mechanical action to any finger or instrument acting onthe surface 502. The sensor surface 502 can move in the z-direction orx-direction. Its neutral z-position is when it is resting against thecover 503. Its neutral x-position is when it is at a certain extremenegative x-position. Movement in the positive x-direction is met with arestoring force in the negative x-direction and movement in the −zdirection is met with a resistance in the +z direction. Moreover, themovement in the −z direction experiences a dual-resistance action, thatis, for some departure from the neutral position, a certain resistiveforce is experienced and for further departure from the neutral positiona stronger resistive force is experienced.

[0126] Though the movement in the y-direction (perpendicular to both thex- and z-directions) is not shown in the construction 500, the entireconstruction 500 can be mounted on similar mechanisms as the mechanismsto create the x- and z-direction movements to allow it to move in they-direction as well as allow it to return to a neutral y-position whenno y-direction force is applied to it.

[0127] One method of using the various movements and actions of thesensor surface 502 of the browsing controller 500 for generating thevarious browsing commands 101-103 is as follows. Each quick depression(in the −z direction) and release of the sensor surface 502 (say, within100 milliseconds) activates the basic flipping of a page and if thisbrowsing controller 500 is mounted as a right browsing controller suchas the browsing controller 164 in FIG. 4, then it signifies aflipping/launching of a page from the right side of the computer book200 to the left (direction of movement command 101). If the sensorsurface 502 is depressed in the −z direction and held for a while (e.g.,300 ms or more), more than one flipping pages (202, 203, etc.) may belaunched in the computer book 200. The interval of launch of theflipping pages (202, 203, etc.) is inversely proportional to the −zposition of the sensor surface 502. That is, “deeper” depression of thesensor surface 502 causes the interval of launch of the multipleflipping pages (202, 203, etc.) to be shorter, hence more pages arelaunched in a given interval, hence more pages travel across thecomputer book 200 at any given time, and hence a faster movement throughthe computer book 200 or the electronic document involved (speed ofmovement command 102). A shallower depression of the sensor surface 502corresponds to a lower speed of movement through the computer book 200,hence fewer flipping pages launched in a given time, hence fewer pagestraveling across the computer book 200 at any given time, and hence aslower movement through the computer book 200. When no force is appliedto the sensor surface 502 in the −z direction and it returns to theneutral position, no more new pages will be launched (and the pages thathave been launched earlier are allowed to continue flipping to the otherside of the computer book 200, in one mode of operation).

[0128] While the browsing controller provides tactile feedback to theperson browsing the document, regarding the rate of speed that thedocument is being browsed, the visual display provides a furtherindication of the rate of speed. Auditory feedback may be provided aswell where the pitch and/or audible level of a “flipping” sound (outputthrough a speaker) is varied based on the flipping speed, and amount ofmaterial being moved through.

[0129] The jump to a specified point command 103 can be achieved asfollows. Firstly, to select a point to jump to, the sensor surface ismoved in the +x direction. If this browsing controller 500 is mounted asa right-hand browsing controller such as the right-hand browsingcontroller 164 in FIG. 4, then it activates the right jump cursor 241 onthe right side thickness 212 of the computer book 200. The neutralposition of the right jump cursor 241 is at the left-most edge of theright side thickness 212 of the computer book 200. This corresponds tothe neutral x-position of the sensor surface 502 (that is, when thecontrol platform 501 is against the extreme −x direction edge 515 of itssupporting frame 510). As the sensor surface 502 is moved in the +xdirection, the right jump cursor 241 moves along the +x direction awayfrom the left-most edge of the right side thickness 212 of the computerbook 200 as shown in FIG. 6. The sensor surface 502 can be moved backand forth in the +x and −x direction respectively to activate the backand forth movement of the jump cursor 241 for the selection of a desiredpoint on the thickness 212 which corresponds to a desired point in thecomputer book 200 or document involved. When a desired point on theright side thickness 212 is reached (i.e., when a desired point in thecomputer book 200 or document is reached), a quick depression andrelease of the sensor surface 502 in the −z direction activates a jumpto the desired point. If no jump is desired, releasing the force in thex-direction on the sensor surface 502 returns the sensor surface 502automatically back to the neutral position, which also returns the jumpcursor 241 to the neutral position on the thickness 212 of the computerbook 200.

[0130] Some mechanisms can be added to the construction 500 to allow itto move in the y-direction (not shown in FIG. 12). The entireconstruction 500 can be mounted on some mechanisms similar to the x- andz-direction movement mechanisms described above that allow it to move inthe y-direction, with an ability to always return to a neutral yposition. One embodiment of this is having the neutral y-position at acertain limiting +y position and any movement in the −y direction isopposed by some spring action. If movement in this direction ispossible, it can be used for the generation of the bookmarking command104. The entire assembly 500 shown in FIG. 12 may be made to slide intracks in the y-direction, which resilient members that bias theassembly to one of the extreme positions, +y or −y. Instead of using thebookmarking buttons, such as the bookmarking buttons 170-177 and 180-187in the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4 for the purpose ofbookmarking, the y-direction movement can be used to create andsubsequently jump to some or all of the bookmarks 220-223 and 230-233depicted in FIG. 6. For example, a quick sliding in the −y direction andrelease of the sensor surface 502 (thereby a quick return to a neutraly-position in a limiting +y position) can create, say, a bookmark 230 onthe right-hand page 207 of a computer book 200, if the browsingcontroller 500 is used as the right-side browsing controller 164 in abrowsing device 160 such as depicted in FIG. 4. Subsequently, because offurther flipping of the pages in the computer book 200, the bookmark 230may migrate further down the side of the right thickness 212 in the +xdirection, and at this time, another quick sliding in the −y directionand release of the sensor surface 502 will trigger a jump to the pagebookmarked by bookmark 230.

[0131] A typical use of the bookmarking buttons 170-177 and 180-187 asdepicted in FIG. 4 is to use each one to create and jump to onecorresponding bookmark. Therefore, bookmark 230 in FIG. 6 may correspondto button 174 (bottom surface 144 of the browsing device 160) as well asbutton 184 (top surface 143 of the browsing device 160), and bookmark231 to button 175 and button 185, and so on. This way, up to 4 bookmarkscan be created on each side of the computer book 200. The above methodof using the y-direction movement can only create one bookmark on eachside of the computer book 200. If switches (or electrical, magnetic oroptical sensors) are placed on the controller 500 in such a way thatwhen the controller 500 is moved to the limit of its −y directionmovement, an electrical signal is generated. This electrical signal isthen used to further create a second bookmark. For example, a quicksliding in the −y direction all the way to the limit of allowablemovement in the −y direction, thereby hitting the switch and generatinga signal, and then releasing of the sensor surface 502 so that itreturns to its neutral y-position can create a second bookmark such asbookmark 231 on the computer book 200. The second time this same actionis effected, a jump to the page bookmarked by bookmark 231 is effected.

[0132] More complex mechanisms controlling the y-direction movement canallow the creation of up to 4 bookmarks. For example, if mechanisms(such as opposing springs on opposite sides of the controller 500) areadded to the controller 500 in such as way that the sensor surface's 502neutral y-position is in the mid-point of its entire allowable range ofy-direction movement, and appropriate limiting switches are installed,two more bookmarks can be created and used by using (1) a quick slidingin the +y direction and releasing of the sensor surface 502, and (2) aquick sliding all the way to the limit switch in the +y direction andreleasing of the sensor surface 502.

[0133] In another mode of operation of the browsing controller 500, thesecond resistance region as provided by the spring 557 and smallplatform 558 can be used to create the jump to a specified point command103. Earlier, it was described that a quick depression and releasing ofthe sensor surface 502 activates the launch of a flipping page in theappropriate direction. A depressing-and-holding action of the sensorsurface 502 activates the launching of multiple flipping pages, again inthe appropriate direction. This depressing-and-holding action thatactivates the multiple page flipping has to take place within the firstresistance region in the −z direction, that is, the region before thespring 557 and its associated small platform 558 come into play. If thesensor surface 502 is depressed in the −z direction quick enough and thetraversal of the first resistance region in the −z direction is made ina short enough interval (say, less than 100 milliseconds) and at the endof this interval the spring 557 and its associated small platform 558are brought into action to provide the second resistance (hence astronger opposing force in the +z direction against the continued“downward” or −z direction movement of the sensor surface 502), then ajump cursor control action is triggered. The entering of this secondresistance region is signified by a signal generated by the switchformed by the two conductors 571 and 572 and their corresponding wires575 and 576. Alternatively, a resilient member with non-linearresistance characteristics (e.g., exhibits resistance amounts indiscretely increased levels). Likewise, for each discrete mechanicalresistance increment, a corresponding increase in the electrical signal(analog or digital) value is created so as to impart a greater rate offlipping speed. When digital signals are output, the controller includesan embedded processor that includes an analog to digital converter.Alternatively, the controller includes the analog to digital converterwithout a processor contained in the controller.

[0134] When a second resistance region is entered, the right jump cursor241, say, (i.e., if the browsing controller 500 is used as the rightbrowsing controller such as the browsing controller 164 in FIG. 4.) inthe computer book 200 will begin to move away from its neutral positionat the left-most edge of the right thickness 212 of the computer book200 and move in the +x direction on the thickness 212 (FIG. 6). The +zor −z direction movement of the sensor surface 502 in this secondresistance region allows the jump cursor 241 to move in the −x and +xdirection respectively on the thickness 212 and traverse the entirewidth of the thickness 212 for the selection of a desired point in thecomputer book 200 to jump to (FIG. 6). When the desired point on thethickness 212 is reached, one method to trigger the jumping action is todepress one of the buttons 174-177 or 184-187 on the right-hand piece162 of the browsing device 160 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0135] In the dual-resistance mode of operation, having selected thedesired point in the computer book to jump to, another method toactivate the jumping action is to use the y-direction movement of thesensor surface 502, when the sensors, guides and resilient members areadded to the controller 500 depicted in FIG. 12 to make this possible.One method is to use a movement in the −y direction, say, of the sensorsurface 502 away from a neutral y-position to activate the jump, andthereafter the sensor surface 502 returns to the neutral y-position. Yetanother method is to use a rapid depression of the sensor surface to theextreme −z position (say, within 100 milliseconds) from any position toactivate the jump. A relatively slow, continued depression of the sensorsurface 502 in the −z direction does not activate a jump. Instead, itcontinues to move the right jump cursor 241 in the +x direction shown inFIG. 6.

[0136] In yet another mode of operation of the browsing controller 500,instead of using the z-direction movement of the sensor surface 502 forlaunching flipping pages and the generation of the speed of movementcommand 102, and using the x-direction movement of the sensor surface502 for selecting the point to jump to in the computer book 200 and thegeneration of the jump to a specified point command 103, the x-directionmovement can be used for launching flipping pages and the generation ofthe speed of movement command 102 and the z-direction movement can beused for selecting the point to jump to in the computer book 200 and thegeneration of the jump to a specified point command 103. Y-directionmovement mechanisms may also be used for either the speed of movementcommand 102 or jump to a specified point command 103, instead of thebookmarking command 104 described above. In general, any one of the x-,y-, and z-movement can be used to generate any one of the browsingcommands 101-104.

[0137]FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a browsing controller 600 basedon the mechanical action of Mode 307 (FIG. 8). The controller 600includes a platform 601 that moves in the z-direction and a cylindricalroller 650 that rotates around the main axis 651 of the cylindricalroller 650. A cover similar to the cover 503 depicted in FIG. 12 canoptionally be placed over the entire controller 600 such that only thetop part of the roller 650 is exposed and accessible for the control ofa finger or any instrument.

[0138] The operation of the browsing controller 600 is as follows. Theplatform 601 is supported by the four supports 610, 611, 612 and 613(hidden from view). Grooves on the appropriate inner sides of thesupports 610-613 (such as groove 680 on support 611) together withappropriate protruding parts from the platform 601 (not shown in FIG.13) constrain the platform to move in the z-direction. Four springs 615,616, 617, and 618 (hidden from view) return the platform to the extreme+z position which is the highest +z position allowable by the foursupports 610-613.

[0139] A resistive strip 620 is coated on one of the vertical surfacesof the support 612. A metallic pointer 621 is fixed on one of the sidesof the platform 601 such that it contacts the resistive strip 620. Twowires 630 and 631 are connected to the two ends of the resistive strip620 and a wire 632 is connected to the metallic pointer 621. Theresistive strip 620, the metallic pointer 621 and the wires 630-632connected to them together form a linear potentiometer from which thez-position of the platform 601 can be electrically measured.

[0140] The roller 650 is mounted between two supports 660 and 661. Itcan rotate in the +r and −r direction as defined in FIG. 13. Grooves 652on the roller 650 provide friction for a finger or instrument to effecta rotational movement of the roller 650 around its main axis 651. Theroller 650 is coupled to a rotary potentiometer 671 that is mountedbetween two supports 661 and 662. The rotary potentiometer allows theangular position (defined in the +r direction with respect to a startingpoint—the neutral position) of the roller 650 to be measured. A spring670 provides a rotating force in the −r direction and returns the roller650 to a neutral angular position. Some protruding parts (not shown) onthe roller's face facing the support 661, say, together with someprotruding parts (not shown) on the face of the support 661 facing theroller prevents the roller from rotating in the −r direction beyond theneutral position.

[0141] One method to generate a direction of movement command 101 and aspeed of movement command 102 is similar to the method described abovefor browsing controller 500. Each quick depression (in the −z direction)and releasing of the roller 650 activates the basic flipping/launchingof a page and if this browsing controller 600 is mounted as a rightbrowsing controller such as the browsing controller 164 in FIG. 4, thenit signifies a flipping of a page from the right side of the computerbook 200 (FIG. 6) to the left (direction of movement command 101). Ifthe roller 650 is depressed in the −z direction and held for a while,more than one flipping pages (202, 203, etc.) may be launched in thecomputer book 200 (FIG. 6). The interval of launch of the flipping pages(202, 203, etc.) is inversely proportional to the −z position of thesensor surface 502. That is, “deeper” depression of the sensor surface502 causes the interval of launch of the multiple flipping pages (202,203, etc.) to be shorter, hence more pages are launched in a giveninterval, hence more pages travel across the computer book 200 at anygiven time, and hence a faster movement through the computer book 200 orthe electronic document involved (speed of movement command 102). Ashallower depression of the sensor surface 502 corresponds to a lowerspeed of movement through the computer book 200, hence fewer flippingpages launched in a given time, hence fewer pages traveling across thecomputer book 200 at any given time, and hence a slower movement throughthe computer book 200. When no force is applied to the roller 650 in the−z direction and it returns to the neutral position, no more new pageswill be launched (and the pages that have been launched earlier areallowed to continue flipping to the other side of the computer book 200,in one mode of operation).

[0142] To generate the jump to a specified point command 103, the firststep is to select the point in the computer book 200 or the document tojump to. This is achieved by rolling the roller 650 in the +r direction.If the browsing controller 600 is used as the right side browsingcontroller 164 in a browsing device 160 such as depicted in FIG. 4, any+r direction angular departure from the neutral angular position of theroller 650 triggers a movement of the right jump cursor 241 on thethickness 212 of the computer book 200 in the +x direction. When adesired point is reached, a jump can be activated by a verticaldepression (i.e., in the −z direction) of the roller 650. If no jump isdesired, the release of force on the roller 650 causes it to return tothe neutral angular position and hence the corresponding return of theright jump cursor 241 to its neutral position on the thickness 212—i.e.,the left most position.

[0143] A construction similar to the construction used to provide asecond resistive force region as depicted in the browsing controller 500in FIG. 12 (spring 557 and small platform 558) can be added to thebrowsing controller 600 that can provide another method for generatingthe jump to a specified point command 103 as described above forbrowsing controller 500.

[0144]FIG. 14 depicts yet another embodiment of a browsing controller700 based on the basic mechanical action Mode 307 (FIG. 8). Thecontroller 700 includes a sensor surface 701 that is supported in such away that it can translate in the +z and −z directions as well as rock in+r and −r directions as shown in FIG. 14. The entire construction 700can optionally be hidden under a cover much like in the case of thecover 503 of FIG. 12 so that only the sensor surface 701 is exposed andaccessible for finger or instrumental control.

[0145] The sensor surface 701 is mounted on a vertical support 740 thatis in turn pivoted 741 in a casing 730 that allows the sensor surface701 to rock in the +r and −r directions. Springs 731 and 732 (hidden)are mounted between the casing 730 and the support 740 in such a waythat the sensor surface 701 is always returned to some neutral position.Any rocking movement of the sensor surface 701 in the +r directioncauses the sensor surface 701 to experience a force in the −r directionthat attempts to return it to the neutral position.

[0146] The casing 730 is in turn mounted on a platform 710 throughsprings 720, 721, 722 and 723 (hidden). These springs return the casing730 hence the sensor surface 701 to a neutral z-position. Any movementof the sensor surface 701 in the −z direction is met with a opposingforce in the +z direction that attempts to return it to the neutralposition.

[0147] Mounted on a upward protruding section 711 of the platform 710 isa resistive strip 712. A metallic pointer 713 extends from one side ofthe casing 730 to contact the resistive strip 712. Two wires 715 and 716are connected to the end points of the resistive strip 712 and a wire714 is connected to the metallic pointer 713. The resistive strip 712,the metallic pointer 713 and their associated wires 715, 716 and 714together form a linear potentiometer from which the z-position of thesensor surface can be electrically determined. Alternatively, anon-linear sensor may be used as well to create an electrical signalwith non-linearly increasing values as the controller is depressed in anlinearly increased amount.

[0148] Hidden from view is a rotary potentiometer 760 mounted to a pivotdirectly opposite the pivot 741 on the other side of the casing 730.This potentiometer allows the r-position of the sensor surface 701 to bedetermined.

[0149] One method of using the browsing controller 700 to generate thedirection of movement 101 and speed of movement 102 commands to movethrough the document or computer book 200 is similar to one of themethods these commands are generated using the browsing controllers 500and 600 as depicted in FIG. 12 and 6 respectively and describedabove—that is, using the z-direction movement of the sensor surface 701.One method of using the browsing controller 700 to generate the jump toa specified point 103 command is similar to one of the methods used inthe browsing controller 600 as depicted in FIG. 13 and describedabove—that is, using the redirection movement of the sensor surface 701.For example, rocking the sensor surface 701 in the +r and −r directionscontrols the movement of the jump cursor 241, say, on the thickness 212,say, of the computer book 200. After the desired point is selected onthe thickness 212, a jump is activated by the depression of the sensorsurface 701 in the −z direction.

[0150] A construction similar to the construction used to provide asecond resistive force region as depicted in the browsing controller 500in FIG. 12 (spring 557 and small platform 558) can be added to thebrowsing controller 700 that can provide another method for generatingthe jump to a specified command 103 as described above for browsingcontroller 500.

[0151]FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a browsing controller 800 basedon the basic mechanical action Mode 308 (FIG. 9). The controller 800includes a movable control platform 801. This control platform 801 iscoupled to a sensor surface 802 where the user's thumb or another fingeror instrument rests. The control platform 801 and the sensor surface 802move in unison. The sensor surface 802 as well as the rest of themechanism associated with the control platform 801 are hidden by a cover(not shown) that is much like the cover 503 in FIG. 12 so that when theentire browsing controller 800 is mounted in a browsing device 100 (FIG.1), say, only the sensor surface 802 is visible and accessible to thethumb or other instrument. The sensor surface 802 has grooves 803 orother frictional material coated on it, or formed in it, to providefriction to the finger or instrument acting on it.

[0152] The platform 801 can be translated in the x-direction or rotatedin the r-direction as shown in FIG. 15. The platform 801 slides in thex-direction within the frame 810. Grooves (such as groove 813) on theappropriate inner sides of the frame 810 together with appropriateprotruding parts (not shown in FIG. 15) from the platform 801 that fitinto the grooves (such as groove 813) constrains the platform 801 tomove within the frame 810. Springs 811 and 812 within the frame 810function to restore the platform 810 to the neutral position, which iswhen the platform rests against the “upper” edge 815 of the frame 810.The positive x-direction is as shown in FIG. 15. When the platform 801is moved in the positive x-direction by the thumb or another finger orinstrument, the springs 811 and 812 are compressed and as soon as thethumb's x-direction force is removed from the platform 801, the platform801 will be returned to its neutral position (resting against the edge815).

[0153]FIG. 15 further depicts the mechanism by which the movement of theplatform 801 in the x-direction generates an x-position signal of theplatform 801 relative to the frame 810. On one edge 820 of the frame 810is coated a strip of thin film resistive material 822. A metallicpointer 823 sticking out from the movable platform 801 touches theresistive strip 822. The resistive strip 822 together with the metallicpointer 823 form a linear potentiometer from which the x-position of theplatform 801 can be determined. If a non-linear response is desired thanthe resistive value can be altered in a non linear fashion. Two wires824 and 825 are attached to both ends of the resistive strip 822 and onewire 826 is attached to the metallic pointer 823. These wires allowelectrical signals to be read from the linear potentiometer by theresistive strip 822 and the metallic pointer 823.

[0154] The frame 810 is mounted on a platform 830 that is in turnmounted at one of its ends through two axles 855 and 856 on two supports831 and 832 in such a way that it is allowed to rotate about an axis835. These supports 831 and 832 together with a catch 845 that definesthe neutral rotational position of the platform 830 are mounted on aplatform 840.

[0155] Springs 850 and 851 are mounted on the two axles 855 and 856 ofthe platform 830 in such a way that they rotate the platform 830 in the−r direction. The neutral angular position of the platform 830 is whenone of its edges 831 is restrained by the catch 845. The platform 830 iscoupled through the axle 855 to a rotary potentiometer 860 that allowsthe angular position of the platform 830 to be measured.

[0156] One method of using the sensor surface 802 of the browsingcontroller 800 for generating the direction of movement command 101 andspeed of movement command 102 is as follows. Each quick rotation aboutthe axis 835 in the +r direction and releasing of the sensor surface 802activates the basic flipping of a page and if this browsing controller800 is mounted as a right browsing controller such as the browsingcontroller 164 in FIG. 4, then it signifies a flipping of a page fromthe right side of the computer book 200 (FIG. 6) to the left (directionof movement command 101). If the sensor surface 802 is rotated in the +rdirection and held for a while (200 ms to 2 seconds, for example), morethan one flipping pages (202, 203, etc.) may be launched in the computerbook 200 (FIG. 6). The interval of launch of the flipping pages (202,203, etc.) is inversely proportional to the +r angular position of thesensor surface 802. That is, further rotation of the sensor surface 802from the neutral position causes the interval of launch of the multipleflipping pages (202, 203, etc.) to be shorter, hence more pages arelaunched in a given interval, hence more pages travel across thecomputer book 200 at any given time, and hence a faster movement throughthe computer book 200 or the electronic document involved (speed ofmovement command 102). A smaller rotational displacement of the sensorsurface 802 from the neutral angular position corresponds to a slowerspeed of movement through the computer book 200, hence fewer flippingpages launched in a given time, hence fewer pages traveling across thecomputer book 200 at any given time, and hence a slower movement throughthe computer book 200. When no force is applied to the sensor surface802 in the +r direction and it returns to the neutral position, no morenew pages will be launched (and the pages that have been launchedearlier are allowed to continue flipping to the other side of thecomputer book 200, in one mode of operation).

[0157] One method of the use of the browsing controller 800 to generatea jump to a specified point command 103 is similar to that described forbrowsing controller 500 as depicted in FIG. 12 and described above—thatis, using the x-direction movement of the sensor surface 802.

[0158] A second resistance region for the rotational movement of theplatform 830 is provided by a construction similar to that formed by thespring 557 and the small platform 558 depicted in FIG. 12, and mountednear the catch 845 just below one edge 831 of the platform 830. Thissecond resistance region can provide another method of generating thejump to a specified point command 103 similar to that described forbrowsing controller 500 above.

[0159] To implement basic canonical mechanical action Mode 309 depictedin FIG. 10, in which two rotational axes are involved, a rollermechanism such as the mechanism associated with roller 650 depicted inFIG. 13 can be mounted on a rotating platform similar to the rotatingplatform 830 depicted in FIG. 15. This way, two rotational actions aremade available for generating some or all of the browsing commands101-103.

[0160]FIG. 16 depicts a browsing controller 900 that uses adual-resistance region combined with a rocking action (in ther-direction) of a mechanical sensor 901 to generate the various browsingcommands 101-103. In FIG. 16, an “exposed” side view of the browsingcontroller 900 is shown to better illustrate the mechanisms involved.

[0161] The mechanical sensor 901 is mounted through a pivot 910 to somefixed structure (not shown in FIG. 16). A cover 905 hides thecontroller's 900 internal mechanism from view. The mechanical sensor isrigidly coupled to a coupling bar 911 that is in turn connected to aspring 920 as shown in FIG. 16. The rotational movement of themechanical sensor 901 in the +r direction is countered by the spring920, which is in turn mounted on a fixed structure 915. The neutralposition of the mechanical sensor is when the spring 920 is not extendedat all. Any extension of the spring generates a force to bring themechanical sensor back to its rotational neutral position. A convenientpoint for a finger or an instrument to act on the mechanical sensor 901is at one end 902 of it. The angular position of the mechanical sensor901 is measured by a rotary potentiometer 930 mounted on the same axisas the rotational axis of the mechanical sensor 901.

[0162] The first resistance region is when the coupling bar 911traverses the space from the neutral position to the point when it comesinto contact with a plunger 940. In this region the resistance isprovided by the spring 920. As soon as the plunger 940 is contacted, aspring 942 mounted on the axis of the plunger 940 provides a furtherresistive force against the further +r direction rotation of themechanical sensor 901. The neutral position of the plunger 940 is whenthe spring 942 is not compressed at all. Metallic contacts 943 and 944attached to one end of the plunger 940 and one end of the coupling bar911 respectively comprise a switch that provides an electrical signalthat the second resistance region is entered. Wires 945 and 946 areconnected to the contacts 943 and 944 to allow the electrical signal tobe read.

[0163] A metallic pointer 950 that is attached to the plunger 940contacts a resistive strip 951 that is fixed to a part of the fixedstructure 915. Two wires 961 and 962 are connected to the two ends ofthe resistive strip 951 and a wire 963 is connected to the metallicpointer 950. The resistive strip 951, the metallic pointer 950, andtheir associated wires 961, 962 and 963 together form a linearpotentiometer from which the linear displacement of the plunger 940 canbe measured. The linear displacement of the plunger 940 from its neutralposition corresponds to the further angular movement in the +r directionof the mechanical sensor 901 after it has entered the second resistanceregion. More plunger/resistive strips may be added in parallel with theplunger 940, although with longer or shorter springs than 942. Such anarrangement allows for multiple gradations of resistance to be added,thus increasing the rate of change of electrical signal values from afirst sensor displacement location to a second displacement locationwhen the user moves the sensor 901 further from its neutral position,thus engaging more plungers.

[0164] One method of using the browsing controller 900 to generate thevarious browsing commands 101-103 is as follows. A quick depressing andreleasing of the mechanical sensor 901 at one end 902 activates thelaunch of one flipping page of the computer book 200 (FIG. 6).Depressing the end 902 and holding it for more than a certain amount oftime, say 100 milliseconds, triggers the continued launching of morethan one flipping pages, the interval of which is determined by theangular displacement in the +r direction of the mechanical sensor 901.The further the displacement, the more pages are launched in a giventime (speed of movement command 102).

[0165] One method of generating the jump to a specified point command103 is as follows. Suppose the mechanical sensor 901 starts from itsneutral position. Suppose now a force is applied to depress the end 902so that the coupling bar 911 traverses the first resistance region quickenough (say, within 100 milliseconds) before the second resistance isentered (signified by the activation of the switch formed by contacts943 and 944), then there is no launching of flipping pages in thecomputer book 200 (of FIG. 6). Instead the right jump cursor 241, say,is activated at the point where the second resistance region is entered.(The right jump cursor 241 is activated if the browsing controller isused as a right-hand browsing controller such as the browsing controller164 in the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4.) The right jumpcursor 241 will begin to move in the x-direction on the thickness 212 ofthe computer book 200 as soon as it is activated. Further angularmovement of the mechanical sensor 901 in the +r and −r directions allowthe jump cursor 241 to move in the +x (down) direction and −x (up)direction on the thickness 212 of the computer book 200 respectively forthe selection of a point in the computer book 200 or the document tojump to.

[0166] When a desired jump-point is reached, one method of activating ajump is to press one of the buttons (174-177 or 184-187) on theright-hand piece 162 of the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4.Another method is to depress rapidly (within 100 milliseconds, say) theend point 902 of the mechanical sensor 901 all the way to the end, wherethe plunger 940 reaches its limits of displacement, at which point ajump is activated. Alternatively, two rapid movements of the mechanicalsensor 901, may be used, such as a “double click” (or even a tripleclick). Furthermore, since the controller will be used with a computer,the user may customize the user-preferred settings for what actions bythe user constitute a predetermined activity (such a flipping multiplepages versus flipping one page at a time). One method of measuring thatthe mechanical limit is reached is by the reading of a certainresistance value from the linear potentiometer associated with theplunger 940. This setting may also be customized by the user, so as toset the user's preferred values in computer readable memory for acustomized “feel.” Another method is to use a switch (not shown in FIG.16) that is activated when the plunger 940 reaches its displacementlimit. This method may be used to define the default value, if the useropts not to customize the sensor parameters.

[0167] In summary, the above description specifies how a mechanicalsensor surface (one of 300-303 in FIGS. 7-10, say) moving in a certainmode (one of Modes 306-309, say) can be used to generate some or all ofthe browsing commands 101-104, which are types of electrical signals,depicted in FIG. 1. Even though only a few methods have been describedin detail, in general, any one of the x-, y-, z- and r-movement can beused to generate any one of the browsing commands 101-104. Furthermore,an embedded transmitter (IR or RF) may be used to produce an outputwireless signal that conveys the browsing commands 101-104. Adual-resistance mechanism depicted in FIG. 11 can also be used tosupplement the basic Modes 306-309 to generate the various browsingcommands 101-104.

[0168]FIG. 17 depicts the basic flipping mechanisms of a computer book1000 on a computer screen. A left page 1010 and a right page 1011 arestationary while three pages 1020, 1021, and 1022 are being flippedacross from the right side to the left side simultaneously. The fasterthe movement through the book, the more pages are flipped simultaneouslyand vice versa. The speed of movement through the computer book 1000 isalso proportional to the speed of movement of each flipping page whileit flips from the right to the left side of the computer book 1000 orvice versa. When the flipping pages 1020, 1021, and 1022 reach the leftside of the computer book 1000, they are collected there, forming partof the left side of the computer book 1000. The thicknesses 1005 and1006 on both sides of the computer book change accordingly as a resultof disappearance of pages from or accumulation of pages on thecorresponding side.

[0169]FIG. 18 depicts the basic jumping mechanism as a result of eitheran activation of a jump cursor 1030 on the right side thickness 1006 ora bookmark 1035 on the right side thickness 1006. A collection of pagesbetween the current right-hand page 1011 and the page 1045 to jump to isshown to flip across from the right side to the left side of thecomputer book 1000. A thickness 1040 proportional to the number of pagesin between the right-hand page 1011 and the page 1045 to jump to isshown moving across the computer book 1000 accordingly.

[0170] The basic flipping mechanisms depicted in FIG. 17 and 18 can beeffected with the browsing controller actions described above inconnection with FIGS. 12-16.

[0171] FIGS. 19-39 depict more complex flipping actions of the pages asa result of receiving browsing control commands to be described indetail later.

[0172]FIG. 19 shows a number of pages (1110-1113, etc.) being flippedfrom the right side of a computer book 1100 to the left side of thecomputer book 1100. (Pages 1114 and 1115 are still resting on the rightside of the computer book 1100). Starting from this flipping state ofall the pages (1110-1113, etc.) in FIG. 19, FIG. 20 shows the flippingdirection of all the pages (1110-1113, etc.) being reversed and changedin the midst of flipping. Starting from the flipping state of all thepages (1110-1113, etc.) in FIG. 19, FIG. 21 shows the direction of thetrailing page 1113 being reversed and changed in midflip while the otherpages (1110-1112) continue to flip to the left side of the computer book1100.

[0173] Starting from the flipping state of all the four pages(1110-1113) in the computer book 1100 in FIG. 19 and a few more pages(1114 and 1115) being launched in the same direction (from right toleft) subsequently, FIG. 22 shows the direction of flipping of a groupof trailing pages (1113, 1114, and 1115) being reversed and changed togoing from left to right while the other pages (1110, 1111, and 1112)continue to flip from right to left. The region 1120 between the twosets of pages (1110-1112 on the one hand and 1113-1115 on the other)begin to “open up” and as the two sets of pages continue to flip furtherin opposite directions, in FIG. 23 it is shown that the region 1121between them (pages 1110-1112 on the one hand and pages 1113-1115 on theother) opens up further.

[0174] Starting from the flipping state of all the pages (1110-1115) inthe computer book 1100 in FIG. 23, in which some of the pages(1110-1112) are flipping from right to left and some of the pages(1113-1115) are flipping from left to right, when a certain browsingcontrol command is given, as shown in FIG. 24, the direction of flippingof the trailing page of the group of pages (1113-1115) on the rightside—page 1113—is reversed and changed to flipping from right to leftwhile pages 1114 and 1115 continue to flip from left to right and theregion 1123 between the page 1113 and the page 1114 begins to open up.

[0175] Starting from the flipping state of all the pages (1110-1115) inthe computer book 1100 in FIG. 23, in which some of the pages(1110-1112) are flipping from right to left and some of the pages(1113-1115) are flipping from left to right, when a certain browsingcontrol command is given, as shown in FIG. 25, the direction of flippingof a group of trailing pages (1113 and 1114) of the group of pages(1113-1115) on the right side are reversed and changed to flipping fromright to left, thus creating a region 1124 that opens up gradually.

[0176] Starting from the flipping state of all the pages (1110-1115) inthe computer book 1100 in FIG. 23, in which some of the pages(1110-1112) are flipping from right to left and some of the pages(1113-1115) are flipping from left to right, when a certain browsingcontrol command is given, as shown in FIG. 26, the direction of flippingof a group of trailing pages (1111 and 1112) of the group of pages(1110-1112) on the left side are reversed and changed to flipping fromleft to right, thus creating a region 1125 that opens up gradually.

[0177]FIG. 27 shows that starting from the flipping configuration of thecomputer book 1100 in FIG. 19., say, or any of the flippingconfiguration of the computer book 1100 in FIGS. 20-26, all the pagesare made to stop flipping and “freeze” in mid-flip.

[0178] After the pages enter this frozen state, they can be “unfrozen”.There are 4 situations after “unfreezing”: 1. pages are unfrozen andthen individual pages continue to flip in the directions prior tofreezing; 2. pages and unfrozen and all pages flip in the samedirection; 3. pages are unfrozen and some pages flip in the directionright to left to rest on the left side and some flip in the directionleft to right to rest on the right side of the book; 4. pages areunfrozen and subgroups of pages flip in different directions.

[0179]FIG. 28 shows firstly that a collection of pages 1212 is beingflipped from right to left as a result of, say, a jump operation due toeither a bookmark or a jump cursor activation such as that depicted inFIG. 18, and then that it is followed by a number of trailing singleflipping pages 1213-1215 that are launched subsequently.

[0180] Starting from the flipping configuration of FIG. 28, say, inwhich a collection of pages 1212 being flipped is followed by a numberof flipping single pages (1213-1215), a further launching of acollection of pages 1216 is activated as depicted in FIG. 29 as a resultof a jump operation due to either a bookmark or a jump cursor activationsuch as that depicted in FIG. 18. Subsequent to this, the furtherlaunching of any combination of single and/or collection of flippingpages is possible. Subsequent changes of direction of flipping and othermovement effects including the freezing in mid-flip of all or somesubgroups of this combination of single and/or collection of flippingpages in ways similar to those described for single flipping pages inFIGS. 20-27 are possible. That is, the collections of pages such as 1212and 1216 would behave like the single pages in FIGS. 20-27.

[0181]FIGS. 30 and 31 depict a hold-and-flip method of manipulating aflipping page. Starting from a configuration in which a page isinitially at rest, say on the right-hand side of a computer book 1300,such as page 1306 shown in FIG. 30, a pointer 1310 picks up the page1306 from its resting position on the right-hand side of the computerbook 1300, and then the page is flipped by the pointer 1310 as depictedin FIG. 31 either in the direction right to left or left to right. Thisway, both sides of page 1306 can be inspected repeatedly as many timesas it is desired.

[0182] In another method of entering the “hold-and-flip” mode, FIG. 32depicts a pointer 1410 picking up a flipping page 1404 in the midst of aflipping action, which might be a flipping page in one of those flippingconfigurations depicted in FIGS. 19 to 26 or a page in a frozen statesuch as depicted in FIG. 27. Thereafter, all the pages 1401-1403 to theleft of it and all the pages 1405-1407 to the right of it fall away andend up resting on the left side and the right side of the computer book1400 respectively. This picked-up page can then be flipped about andinspected in the hold-and-flip mode.

[0183]FIG. 33 depicts the picking up of a collection of pages 1503 in acomputer book 1500 and the subsequent flipping-about action. This is thehold-and-flip method of manipulating a collection of flipping pagesinstead of just a single page. The collection of pages 1503 can bepicked up from its resting state from, say, the right side of thecomputer book 1500 or from the midst of a flipping action, say, in aconfiguration such as that depicted in FIG. 29 in which a number ofcollections of flipping pages are shown to be in flipping action.

[0184]FIG. 34 depicts the simultaneous hold-and-flip action applying tomore than one single page (e.g., 1603 and 1604) and/or collection ofpages (e.g., 1605). A number of pointers (1610-1612) are involved in theholding and flipping action.

[0185]FIGS. 35 and 36A-C depict a hold-and-collect method ofmanipulating pages in a computer book 1700. A page 1705 in the computerbook 1700 is first picked up by a pointer 1710 (either when the page1705 is at rest on the right or left side of the computer book 1700 orwhen it is in the midst of some flipping action). And then, pages1720-1725 to its left and/or right sides, whether they are initially inthe midst of some flipping action or at rest on the left and/or rightside of the computer book 1700, are all “collected” onto the page 1705,resulting in a collection of pages 1706 as shown in FIGS. 36A-C. Thisentire collection 1706 can then be flipped about as depicted in FIGS.36A-C.

[0186]FIG. 37 depicts a hold-and-browse method of manipulating pages ina computer book 1800. A single page and/or a collection of pages 1801 isfirst picked up by a pointer 1810. And then, this collection of pages1801 and the right side thickness 1803 become a new “sub book” betweenwhich all kinds of browsing and flipping actions can take place for anumber of pages (such as pages 1805-1808).

[0187]FIG. 38 depicts another hold-and-browse method of manipulatingpages in a computer book 1800 involving two collections (1801 and 1804)of pages. The two collections of pages 1801 and 1804 are being picked upby two pointers 1810 and 1811 respectively. These two collections ofpages 1810 and 1811 then become a “sub book” between which all kinds ofbrowsing and flipping actions can take place for a number of pages (suchas pages 1805-1808). In general, any two pages and/or collection ofpages can be made into a “sub book” between which the usual browsing andflipping action of a number of pages can take place.

[0188]FIG. 39 summarizes different basic and complex flipping actionsdescribed above.

[0189] All the complex flipping actions depicted in FIGS. 19-39 can becontrolled by either one of the browsing controllers depicted in FIGS.12-16 or one of these browsing controllers in conjunction with a mouseand/or other pointing and control methods and mechanisms.

[0190] For example, starting from the flipping state of the pages1110-1113 of the computer book 1100 depicted in FIG. 19, which wascreated, say, by a quick depressing and releasing (in the −z direction,say) of a browsing controller 164 mounted on the right side of abrowsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4, to change the direction offlipping of the all the pages 1110-1113 depicted in FIG. 20, one methodis to effect a quick depressing and releasing of the browsing controller163 mounted on the left side of the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG.4. This is like sending an “opposing force” to change the direction offlipping. Subsequent depressing and releasing of the left browsingcontroller 163 may launch more pages from the left side of the computerbook 1100 to flip in the direction from left to right.

[0191] Suppose it is desired that not the direction of all the pages1110-1113 are to be reversed, instead, only the direction of thetrailing page 1113 is to be reversed as depicted in FIG. 21, one methodis to depress the left browsing controller 163 rapidly (say, within 100milliseconds) all the way to its maximum depression limit. This is likesending a “penetrating opposing force” all the way to the trailing page1113, bypassing all the intervening pages 1110-1112.

[0192] Another method of achieving the action of FIG. 4, that is togenerate a “penetrating opposing force”, is to use the y-directionmovement of the browsing controller 163. A sliding of the browsingcontroller's 163 sensor surface in the −y direction, say, combined witha quick depression and releasing of the browsing controller in the −zdirection, say, will reverse the direction of the trailing page 1113 asdepicted in FIG. 4.

[0193] In some mode of operation, all the four bookmarking buttons onone side, say buttons 174-177, of the browsing device 160 depicted inFIG. 4 are used to generate bookmarks, say bookmarks 230-233 on theright side thickness 212 of a computer book 200 depicted in FIG. 6. Inother modes of operations, perhaps only two of the buttons, say, buttons174 and 175, are used for bookmarking and the other two buttons, say,buttons 176 and 177, can be used for other operations. To achieve theoperation of reversing the flipping direction of the trailing pagedepicted in FIG. 21, one method is to use the pressing and holding ofone of these buttons that is not used for bookmarking, say button 172,on the left side of the browsing device 160 combined with the quickdepressing and releasing of the browsing controller 163 on the left sideof the browsing device 160. This is yet another method of generating a“penetrating opposing force”.

[0194] To effect the reversal of flipping direction of a group oftrailing pages, such as trailing pages 1113-1115 as depicted in FIG. 22,one method is to generate a “penetrating opposing force” as many timesin succession as there are pages whose directions are to be reversed.For example, if there are three pages 1113-1115 whose directions are tobe reversed as depicted in FIG. 22, then three successive rapiddepressing and releasing of the left browsing controller 163 of thebrowsing device 160 of FIG. 4 all the way to its maximum allowable limitof depression will send three successive “penetrating opposing forces”to the pages 1113-1115 and reverse their direction of flipping, therebyopening up the region 1120 between the pages 1112 and 1113.

[0195] If a pointing device, say a track point (for example, the trackpoint installed in IBM Notebook Model 765D) or a mouse, together withits associated buttons, is available, and say, preferably mounted on thebrowsing device 160 so that the fingers can control the pointing deviceas well as the browsing controllers (163 and 164) and buttons (170-177,180-187) on the browsing device 160 at the same time, then one method toeffect the operation depicted in FIG. 22 is by using the pointing deviceto move a pointer (“mouse cursor”) over the region to be “opened up”—theregion 1120 depicted in FIG. 22—and effecting an action using the usualmethod of clicking on a button associated with the pointing device(i.e., a “mouse button”).

[0196] Further changes in directions of one or more flipping pages asdepicted in FIGS. 24-26 can be effected by one of the above methods ofgenerating a “penetrating opposing force” or by using a pointing deviceto point to the exact region to be “opened up”.

[0197] One method of freezing the flipping pages 1110-1115 in mid-flipas depicted in FIG. 27 is to effect a “equal and opposite” force in bothdirections of flipping (i.e., from right to left and from left toright). One method of achieving this to activate both browsingcontrollers 163 and 164 on the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4 atthe same time by depressing and holding or depressing and releasingthem.

[0198] To achieve the operation depicted in FIG. 28, where a number ofpages 1213-1215 follow the flipping collection of pages 1212, one methodis, after having effected the flipping of the collection of pages 1212through a jump operation using a method described above and while thecollection of pages 1212 is still in the midst of flipping across thecomputer book 1200, to launch subsequent successive flipping pages byusing one of the methods of launching successive flipping pagesdescribed above, such as by successively quickly depressing andreleasing, say, the browsing controller 164 on the right side of thebrowsing device 160.

[0199] To achieve the operation depicted in FIG. 29, where a secondcollection of flipping pages 1216 is launched while a first collectionof flipping pages 1212 and some trailing single flipping pages 1213-1215are still in the midst of flipping across the computer book 1200, a jumpoperation involving the use of the jump cursor or a bookmark to launchedthe second collection of flipping pages 1216 from the right side of thecomputer book 1200 can be effected using one of the methods describedabove.

[0200] To achieve the hold-and-flip action described in FIG. 30 and 31,one method is, starting from when both left and right pages 1305 and1306 of the computer book 1300 in FIG. 30 are at rest in theirrespective positions on the left and right side of the computer book1300, to use a y-direction movement of the browsing controller 164, say,on the right side of the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4 toeffect a “picking-up” of the page 1306. Thereafter, the mode of “holdinga page” is entered and to move the held page 1306 back and forth insteadof allowing it to flip automatically all the way to the other side ofthe computer book 1300, a “balancing opposing force” mode can be createdby depressing simultaneously (within 50 milliseconds) both the left andright browsing controllers (163 and 164) on the browsing device 160, andthen depending on which browsing controller (163 or 164) has a strongerforce (e.g., is depressed further down), the held page 1310 will flipslowly (i.e., not completing the flipping action across the entirecomputer book 1300) in the direction opposite to the position of thatbrowsing controller (i.e., if the left browsing controller 163 has astronger “force”, the held page 1306 will flip slowly from left toright).

[0201] Another method of picking up a page 1306 is to use a bookmarkingbutton on the corresponding side (e.g., one of buttons 174-177 or184-187) that is not in use for bookmarking operation. Yet anothermethod of picking up a page 1306 is to use a pointing device to pointat, say, the right bottom corner of the page 1306 and effect a buttonclick associated with the pointing device. Thereafter, the page can bemoved back and forth using the “balancing opposing force” methoddescribed above using the browsing controllers 163 and 164 on thebrowsing device 160 or by using the movement of the cursor associatedwith the pointing device (i.e., the cursor can move left or right on thecomputer screen to indicate, say, where the right edge of the held page1306 should be positioned).

[0202] To select and hold a flipping page 1404 in the midst of flippingamong all the other flipping pages (1401-1403, 1405-1407) and thenletting the other pages then fall to their respective sides as depictedin FIG. 32, one method is to use a number of y-direction movements (say,−y direction movements) of a browsing controller (say browsingcontroller 164 on the right side of the browsing device 160 depicted inFIG. 4) to indicate the number of intervening pages between the desiredpage 1404 and the right side thickness of the computer book 1400 to skippass to pick up the desired page 1404. Another method is to use apointing device's cursor to point at and select the desired page 1404.

[0203] One method of entering the hold-and-flip mode for a collection ofpages 1503 depicted in FIG. 33 is to first use a −y direction, say,movement of the browsing controller 164 on the right side of thebrowsing device 160 as depicted in FIG. 4 to indicate that the“hold-and-flip” mode is entered, and then using one of the methodsdescribed above for selecting a page to jump to on the right sidethickness 1521 of the computer book 1500, i.e., using the jump cursor ora bookmark, the collection of pages 1503 can then be “picked-up” andmoved back and forth using one of the methods described above for movinga single “picked up” and held page. Another method is to use a pointingdevice to activate a special “hold-and-flip” jump cursor situated at thebottom right corner of the right side thickness 1521 of the computerbook 1500. Using this jump cursor, any position on the right thickness1521 can be selected and when the jump is activated, the collection ofpages 1503 between the then right-hand page and the “jump-to” page isnot flipped automatically to the other side of the computer book 1500 asin the situation of a typical jump operation, instead it is “held” bythe pointing device and can be moved back and forth across the computerbook 1500 as desired.

[0204] After a single page or a collection of pages is picked up andheld in a “hold-and flip” mode, to exit the mode the held page orcollection of pages can be flipped to the extreme left or right,signaling the desire to return the page or collection of pages to therespective side of the book.

[0205] The methods of “holding-and-flipping” of single or collection ofpages described above can be applied repeatedly while one or more singleor collection of pages are still in the hold-and-flip mode to create theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 34 in which more than one single orcollection of pages are in the hold-and-flip mode.

[0206] To enter the hold-and-collect mode depicted on FIGS. 35 and 36A,after having entered the hold-and-flip mode using one of the methodsdescribed above, flipping actions that will flip pages from the leftside of the computer book 1700 to the right side or vice versa areactivated using one of the page flipping methods described above. Theseflipping pages, instead of flipping across the entire computer book 1700will instead collect at the page 1705 that is being “held”.Subsequently, back and forth movement of the collection of pages 1706 asdepicted in FIG. 36A can be effected by one of the methods describedabove.

[0207] After entering the hold-and-collect mode and after havingcollected a number of pages as depicted in FIG. 36A, pages can bereleased from the collection of pages. As depicted in FIG. 36B, pages1730-1733 are being released from the collection 1707 in back to therespective sides of the computer book 1700. The held collection of pages1707 depicted in FIG. 36B can also be “split” using something similar toa jump cursor to select a point on the collected thickness to effect thesplit. FIG. 36C depicts the action of splitting a held collection ofpages into two collections of pages 1708 and 1709. FIG. 36C also depictsother pages 1740-1742 that have been released from the held collectionof pages earlier.

[0208] After having a single or collection of pages 1801 entered the“hold-and-flip” mode, a “hold-and-browse” mode can be entered in whichthe held single or collection of pages 1801 acts like one side 1802 ofthe computer book 1800 and all actions that can normally be effectedbetween the left thickness 1802 and the right thickness 1803 can now beeffected between the held collection of pages 1801 and the right sidethickness 1803 as depicted in FIG. 37. To enter the hold-and-browse modeafter the hold-and-flip mode is entered, one method is to use thepointing device with its associated cursor on the computer screen toclick on the held collection of pages 1801 and the right side thickness1803. This signifies that the hold-and-browse mode is entered and a “subbook” is created between the collection of pages 1801 and the right sidethickness 1803 between which all of the normal operations associatedwith flipping pages can be effected. To exit the hold-and-browse mode,the collection of pages 1801 and the right side thickness 1803 can beclicked on again.

[0209] Repeated application of the hold-and-browse method while one ormore collections of pages are in the hold-and-browse mode can createrecursive “sub books” as depicted in FIG. 38.

[0210] To effect all the complex flipping actions depicted in FIGS.19-39, all the basic input directions (the x-, y-, z-directions, or ther-direction for rotational or rocking input) of one or more browsingcontrollers (such as the browsing controllers depicted in FIGS. 12-16and mounted on the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4) and thebookmarking buttons of a browsing device (such as bookmarking buttons170-177 and 180-187 on the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4),together with a pointing device and its associated screen cursor can beused in combinations in the methods described above or in othercombinations in other methods.

[0211] FIGS. 40-42 depict a screen-control method of effecting thevarious basic and complex flipping actions depicted in FIGS. 10-19.

[0212]FIG. 40 depicts one screen control method for effecting the basicactions of launching pages and jumping to selected pages. Basically thescreen 2000 in which a book-like interface 2001 resides is divided intovarious areas for the activation and control of the various basicflipping actions. The computer book 2001 has a left-hand resting page2010 and a right hand resting page 2011, a left side thickness 2020 anda right side thickness 2021, a left bottom thickness 2022 and a rightbottom thickness 2023, a left side jump cursor 2030 and a right sidejump cursor 2031, a left bottom jump cursor 2032 and a right bottom jumpcursor 2033. The area defined by the outline of the left resting page2010 is the left side page-launching area 2040 and the area defined bythe outline of the right resting page 2011 is the right sidepage-launching area 2041. The area defined by the outline of the leftside thickness 2020 is the left side jump-control area 2042 and the areadefined by the outline of the right side thickness 2021 is the rightside jump-control area 2043. The area defined by the outline of the leftbottom thickness 2022 is the left bottom jump-control area 2044 and thearea defined by the outline of the right bottom thickness 2023 is theright bottom jump-control area 2045.

[0213] These screen control areas 2040-2045 can be selected andactivated through a cursor on the screen 2000 controlled by a pointingdevice (e.g., a computer mouse) or a touch screen superimposed on thescreen 2000 and selected and activated by a finger or otherinstrument(s).

[0214] One method of using the left and right side page-launching areas2040 and 2041 is to launch one page from the corresponding side in therespective direction (i.e., a page launched from the left side area 2040will flip from left to right and vice versa) on each activation of thearea involved. If more activations are effected within a given time,more pages will be launched and sent across the computer book 2001within the given time. If a pointing device is used, this activation maybe effected by placing a cursor in the corresponding area (2040 or 2041)and clicking the associated pointing device's button (e.g., the leftbutton of a PC-type computer mouse such as Microsoft's IntelliMouse®).If a touch screen is used, this activation may be effected by a pressureapplied on the screen either by a finger or an instrument within thecorresponding area 2040 or 2041.

[0215] One method of using the left and right side jump-control areas2042 and 2043 is by using either a pointing device to point at, select,move, and activate the respective jump cursors 2030 and 2031, or, if atouch screen is available, by using a pressure applied either by afinger or an instrument on the screen within the areas occupied by therespective cursors 2030 and 2031 to select, move and activate them. Theleft and right bottom jump-control areas 2044 and 2045 can be activatedlikewise.

[0216] All the jump-control areas 2042-2045 can also be activated bybookmarks, often residing with these areas and indicating points in thecomputer book 2001 that they bookmark, similar to the bookmarks(220-223, 230-233) shown in FIG. 6. One method is to use a pointingdevice to point at, select, and activate these bookmarks and henceactivate a jump to the pages bookmarked. Another method, if a touchscreen is available, is to use a finger or an instrument to applypressure on the respective areas occupied by the bookmarks to select andactivate them.

[0217]FIGS. 41 and 42 depict another screen control method forgenerating commands to achieve some or all of the basic and complexflipping actions depicted in FIGS. 17-39.

[0218] The control areas on the thicknesses, namely the left sidejump-control area 2110, the right side jump-control area 2111, the leftbottom jump-control area 2112, and the right bottom jump-control area2113 are used in the same manner as those corresponding jump controlareas 2042-2045 depicted in FIG. 40 and described above.

[0219] The left side page-launching area 2120 and the right sidepage-launching area 2121 are activated by either a pointing device thatis positioned with the respective area followed by a click of the buttonassociated with the pointing device, or if a touch screen is available,the positioning and pressure application of a finger or an instrumentwithin the respective area. These page-launching areas 2120 and 2121 aresmaller than the area occupied by the respective left and right openedpages (2102 and 2103) of the computer book 2101 because parts of thethese areas are reserved for other controls to be described below.

[0220] These page-launching areas 2120 and 2121 can be used to controlthe pages much in the same way the left and right browsing controllers(163 and 164) on the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4 are used tocontrol the various complex flipping actions of the pages depicted inFIGS. 11-19 and described above. For example, each activation of thecontrol area 2120 and 2121 is similar to each depressing and releasingof the browsing controllers 163 and 164. Therefore, pages can likewisebe launched in a certain direction, in a certain frequency, and theirdirections can be changed by the activation of the appropriatepage-launching areas 2120 and 2121.

[0221] In the upper parts of the pages 2102 and 2103 is the page-regionopening-control area 2140. FIG. 42 depicts the operation of this area indetail.

[0222] The page-region opening action is like the flipping actionsdepicted in, say, FIGS. 21, 22, 23 in which a certain page or a group ofpages are selected to have their flipping directions reversed in themidst of flipping across the computer screen. This results in, say, the“opening up” of a region 1121 as shown in FIG. 23.

[0223]FIG. 42 depicts a computer book 2201 on a computer screen 2200with four pages 2211-2214 flipping from right to left and two restingpages 2210 and 2215 on the left and right sides of the computer book2201 respectively. The page-region opening-control area 2140 at theupper part of the computer book 2101 depicted in FIG. 41 in which nopage is shown to be flipping is now fragmented into 5 areas—areas2220-2224 in the computer book 2201 as depicted in FIG. 42. Each ofthese control areas 2220-2224 controls a region between two successiveflipping pages or one flipping page and one of the resting pages 2210and 2215. For example, area 2223 controls a region between flippingpages 2213 and 2214 and area 2220 controls a region between one restingpage 2210 and one flipping page 2211. Thus, associated with each controlarea is a left bounding page and a right bounding page. For example, thecontrol area 2221 has a left bounding page 2211 and a right boundingpage 2212.

[0224] The operation of these page-region opening-control areas2220-2224 is as follows. If an activation is effected (for example,using a pointing device for selection and activation or using a touchscreen) within an area, the left bounding page will change its directionof flipping to the direction of right to left, if its original directionof flipping is in the direction of left to right, and continue the samedirection of flipping if its original direction of flipping is in thedirection right to left. Similarly, the right bounding page (e.g., pagewill change its direction of flipping to the direction of left to right,if its original direction of flipping is in the direction of right toleft, and continue the same direction of flipping if its originaldirection of flipping is in the direction left to right. The result ofthese operations is that the corresponding region between the leftbounding page and right bounding page will “open up” much like thatdepicted in FIG. 23. For example, if the area selected is area 2221, itsleft bounding page 2211 will continue to flip from right to left but itsright bounding page 2212 will change its direction of flipping to fromleft to right, thus opening up the region 2221.

[0225] The screen control method can be used to implement a novel methodfor controlling the speed of a single flipping page. Earlier wementioned that there are two methods to characterize the speed ofmovement through a computer book, say the computer book 1000 in FIG.10A. The speed of movement can be characterized by the number of pages(e.g., pages 1020-1022) that are flipped simultaneously across thecomputer book 1000 or the speed of movement of each flipping page (e.g.,any one of the pages 1020-1022) as it flips from one side to the otherside of the computer book 1000, or a combination of both of these. As wehave described above, one method to change the number of pages launchedin any given time interval, and hence the speed of movement through thecomputer book 1000 is to use one of the movements of the flippingbrowsing controller (say, one of those depicted in FIGS. 5-9). Anothermethod is to use the screen control method by using, say, the area 2120or 2121 depicted in FIG. 21. That is, if a touch screen is availableover the displayed computer book 2101, more frequent tapping, using afinger or an instrument, on the corresponding area (2120 or 2121,depending on the intended direction of flipping) in a given timeinterval will correspond to more pages launched in that interval andhence a higher speed of movement through the computer book 2101 and viceversa. If a touch screen is not available, a pointing device and acursor on the screen 2100 can also be used and a “clicking” actionwithin the area 2120 or 2121 achieves similar effects. Now, there is alarge space within the area 2120 or 2121 that can be tapped or clickedon. Another method to control the speed of movement of individual pagesflipping across the computer book 2101 is to make the speed of flippingmovement dependent on which part of the area 2120 or 2121 is clicked ortapped. That is, clicking once or tapping once in the area 2120 or 2121launches a page, but the location within area 2120 or 2121 where theclicking or tapping takes place determines the speed of flippingmovement of the launched page across the computer book 2101. This way, avery rapid change of the speed of movement through the computer book2101 can be effected through the rapid change of the speed of flippingof each page as well as the rapid change of the number of pages launchedin a given interval.

[0226] The screen control method can be used in conjunction with themethods described above using the browsing controllers (e.g., browsingcontrollers 163 and 164 in the browsing device 160 depicted in FIG. 4)to achieve some or all of the complex flipping actions depicted in FIGS.19-39.

[0227] In other embodiments of the screen control method, the variousareas on the screen can be used interchangeably and mapped differentlyto control the various basic and complex actions.

[0228]FIG. 43 depicts a kind of curled flipping page (e.g., pages 2315and 2325) in a computer book 2300 in which both sides of the page (sides2316 and 2317 for the page 2315 and sides 2326 and 2327 for the page2325) are visible. This can increase the amount of information seen atany given time and also provide better visual continuity of informationfrom page to page.

[0229]FIG. 44 depicts a mechanism for fine jump cursor control. Becauseof the limited resolution of the computer screen, the thickness, say theright side thickness 2402, of the computer book 2400 may not have enoughdiscrete points for the jump cursor 2415 to select any desired page onthe right side of the computer book 2400, if there are more pages on theright side of the computer book 2400 than there are discrete steps onthe thickness 2402 for the jump cursor 2415 to move through. One methodto overcome this is to create an area 2410 within the thickness 2402that allows the jump cursor 2415 to step through a number of discretesteps 2411 in both directions 2417 and 2418. The fine jump cursorcontrol mechanism begins when the jump cursor 2415 is, say, at a certainpoint on the thickness 2402. Suppose that corresponds to a certain pageX in the computer book 2400. The next discrete step that the jump cursor2415 can take on the thickness 2402 corresponds to a certain page Y inthe computer book 2400. Now, suppose X and Y are not contiguous pagesand there are many pages in between them that the jump cursor 2415cannot access directly on the thickness 2402 initially. The fine jumpcursor control mechanism can now be initiated. A fine jump cursorcontrol area 2410 is now created that surrounds the jump cursor 2415 inwhich the movement of the jump cursor 2415 in the area 2410 in thedirections 2417 and 2418 will step through the intervening pages betweenpages X and Y, and thus allowing the selection of a desired page to jumpto.

[0230] To signify that a fine jump cursor control mode is to beentered—i.e., a fine jump cursor control area 2410 is to be created—onemethod is to use a computer mouse button click. Alternatively, the speedof the movement of the jump cursor on the thickness 2402 can be used. Acertain speed of movement of the jump cursor 2415 is normally presentwhen the jump cursor 2415 is moving up and down the thickness 2402 toselect a desired page to jump to. When this speed is reduced to below acertain value or when the speed is reduced to zero—i.e., then the jumpcursor 2415 stops moving on the thickness 2402—the fine jump cursorcontrol mode can be entered and the fine jump cursor control area 2410can be created around the jump cursor 2415 for the purpose of fine jumpcursor control. To exit the fine jump cursor control mode—i.e., toremove the fine jump cursor control area 2410 and return the jump cursorto the usual thickness area 2402—one method is to use a computer mousebutton click. Alternatively, the speed of the movement of the jumpcursor 2415 on the fine jump cursor control area 2410 can be used. Ifthe speed of movement in the directions 2417 or 2418 of the jump cursor2415 on the fine jump cursor control area 2410 exceeds a certain speed,the fine jump cursor control area 2410 will disappear and the jumpcursor 2415 will return to the thickness 2402 at an appropriate point.

[0231]FIG. 45 depicts a one-sided book-interface display 2500. Insteadof displaying a fully visible, say left side, of a book, such as in thecase of the computer book 200 depicted in FIG. 6, the computer book 2500has a slanted, almost vertical left side. On that side, the usualresting page 2530 may be displayed. The left side thickness 2510 and itscorresponding jump cursor 2520 and the left bottom thickness 2512likewise may be displayed. The right side of the computer book 2500 hasthe usual resting page 2531, the right side thickness 2511 and itscorresponding jump cursor 2521, and the right bottom thickness 2513. Anumber of flipping pages 2532-2534 are shown to be flipping from theright to the left, subsequently merging into the left side of thecomputer book 2500. All the basic and complex flipping actions describedabove can likewise be applied to this one-sided computer book 2500. Theone-sided computer book display 2500 is useful if the computer screenspace is limited.

[0232]FIG. 46 depicts yet another one-sided book-interface display 2600.The left side of the book, instead of slanting inward toward the midlineof the computer book 2600 like in the case of the computer book 2500depicted in FIG. 45, slants outward. The usual left and right sidethicknesses 2610 and 2611, the corresponding left and right side jumpcursors 2620 and 2621, the usual left and right bottom thicknesses 2612and 2613, the left and right resting pages 2630 and 2631, and theflipping pages 2632-2634 can all be present on the computer book 2600.

[0233] Using commercially available computer hardware and software, onemethod of generating flipping pages from a document stored insemiconductor, magnetic, optical, or other media on a personal (e.g.laptop) computer in the form of a text file, such as a text file in theWindows 95 operating system involves several steps. First, the contentsof the text file is displayed on the computer screen (such as an IBMColor Monitor G50, part Number 96G1593) using, say a word processingsoftware such as Microsoft® Word Version 7.0 from Microsoft Corporation,Part Number 62306 running on the computer. The image on the computerscreen which is stored in the screen dump can then be put into theclipboard using the “Print Screen” key on the keyboard (such as an IBMKeyboard, Part Number 06H9742). The clipboard can be imported as animage file into a graphics software such as Visioneer PaperPort™ fromVisioneer Communications, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., Part NumberC1132-90000 running on the computer using the “Paste” command providedby the software, and then exported and stored as an image file in, say,the TIFF format. Each page in the document can be captured in this wayin one TIFF file. Then, using a video editing/movie making software suchas Adobe Premier™ 4.0 from Adobe Systems Incorporated of Mountain View,Calif., part Number 02970103 running on the computer, the TIFF files,each containing one page of the document, can be imported into thesoftware and using the Motion command and superimposition facilitiesprovided by the software a “movie” of flipping pages can be generatedand if necessary, exported and stored in a motion picture format such asa .AVI file.

[0234] For the purpose of the present invention, the variouscomponents/operations described above for generating flipping pages froman existing document file using currently available software arepreferably integrated into a single software process that may beconveniently ported from one computer to the next and which requiresminimal human intervention. An alternative method reads from theexisting document file directly, generates the necessary images for allthe pages, and then creates a “motion picture” of flipping pages fromthese images. To move through the document forward or backward at anyselected speed, mechanisms similar to forwarding or reversing at anyselected speed when viewing a motion picture file (such as one in the.AVI format) using a software video player (such as Video for Windowsfrom Microsoft Corporation) are used. The other features such as thethicknesses 210 and 212 (FIG. 6), the bookmarks 220-223 and 230-233(FIG. 6) and the operations of bookmarking etc. are also incorporated.

[0235] While it is preferred to use off-the-shelf hardware and softwareto effect the flipping/flashing/scrolling/etc. effect, customizedhardware and software can be used to perform an equivalent function.

[0236] The computer discussed above may also be the computer to whichthe controller connects, and may host the configuration software forproviding user-customizable settings on the controller. For example, oneuser may wish to depress the controller platform by only 25% of the fullrange of motion to actuate a first function (such as launching apredetermined number of flipping pages), while a second user wouldprefer to have the setting at 50% to accomplish the same thing. Thesesettings can initially be set via a computer-implemented calibration andpreference setting program that is executed when the controller is usedfor the first time (or is later requested the user). The program savesin memory a list of user-defined parameters (such as 25% or 50%discussed above), which are then used when actually implementing thebrowsing operations for that user. Different user profiles may be savedin memory for different users, such that each user may enable his or herprofile when using the controller.

[0237]FIG. 47 depicts an embodiment of a complete browsing system 2700,the software components for which are hosted on a computer. In thissystem 2700, a conversion software 2710 (a computer program coded in a“C programming language,” for example) is provided to pre-convert thedocument 2701 to be viewed that is stored in the computer in whateverexisting form (e.g., such as in the form of a text file, stored on thehard disk in the Windows 95 operating environment) to a form 2711 thatallows one of the methods depicted in FIGS. 17-39 of moving through thedocument as described above or other methods to be implemented and to beused in conjunction with the browsing device 2740 (using one of thebrowsing controllers depicted in FIGS. 12-17 described above or otherkind of browsing controllers). The document 2701 in its existing form onthe computer can also be converted on the fly which may requirespecialized hardware to achieve the required speed of operation. Duringoperation, a browsing/viewing software 2720 is also needed to convertthe signals from the browsing device to effect all the operations on thedocument as described above. The browsing/viewing software 2720 (acomputer program preferably coded in a “C programming language”) takesas its data input either the pre-converted data file 2711 or thedocument in its existing form 2701 (to be converted on the fly duringthe browsing process). The browsing device 2740 sends the necessarysignals through a bus 2741 (e.g., a 25 pin parallel port ribbon cable,although a serial bus, USB, or mouse line are example alternatives whichrequire appropriate cooperating multiplexing circuitry) and to acomputer input port 2730 (preferably a 25 pin parallel port, oralternatively a mouse port, USB port or a RS-232 port) to thebrowsing/viewing software 2720 to effect the necessary operations on thescreen 2721 of the computer.

[0238] The above browsing system 2700 (FIG. 47) is adapted to be used inconjunction with any software method that allows the reorganization ofthe material in the document involved to facilitate browsing/viewing.For example, under software control, in conjunction with the use of amouse-cum-cursor method, say, two or more pages in the document to becompared or parts of the document to be compared can all be broughttogether and displayed in the currently viewed page(s). This may beachieved by, say, using the mouse-cum-cursor to first select parts ofthe current viewed pages by clicking the mouse button and dragging themouse like what is normally done or to select one of the currentlyviewed pages by double clicking on that page where the cursor is nowpositioned. And then, after moving to another part of the document, thecursor can now be positioned over a point on one of the currently viewedpages and the selected material can be brought into view by one click ofthe mouse button. The selected material, if it is one page full, willsimply cover the page on which the cursor was placed before the oneclick of the mouse button to bring it into view. If the selectedmaterial is not one page full, it will be positioned, say, to the rightand bottom of the cursor, and cover part of the page on which the cursorwas placed before the one click of the mouse button to bring it intoview. Another click of the mouse button will remove this temporarilyplaced material to allow one to see what was on the page originally.This temporarily placed material will also automatically disappear fromthe page on which it was placed after that page disappears from viewafter the user activates movement to other parts of the document.

[0239] The above browsing system 2700 can also be used in conjunctionwith any software method that allows the highlighting of selectedportions of the material or annotations of the pages in the documentinvolved to facilitate browsing/viewing/reading.

[0240] The above browsing system 2700 is suitable for use not just forbrowsing through or viewing documents that do not require any processingof their contents while they are being viewed, but also in conjunctionwith a word-processing system. Instead of creating a document andprocessing it on a computer screen like what is normally done, and thenscroll up and down to view and browse through it using the usual mousecum scroll bar method, the method of viewing and browsing through thedocument as described in the above browsing system 2700 can be used.When the word processing is used in conjunction with, say, the flippingmethod depicted in FIG. 18 of moving through the document, as onefinishes entering material for the right-hand page, the page will flipover to reveal a new, empty page for the entering of material. As onedeletes material until nothing is left on the currently viewed pages,continued deletion will effect a flipping back to the previous page.

[0241] The above browsing system 2700 is adapted for use in conjunctionwith any software in which there is information/icons of control“buttons” to be displayed, either for viewing or manipulating, thatcannot be fitted within one computer screen. In this case, scrolling inconjunction with the use of a mouse is often done, or sub-menus andsub-operations can be selected by pressing icons of “buttons” on thescreen. In the case of selection of sub-menus and sub-operations, thesub-menus or displays containing buttons for sub-operations are flashedon the screen once they are selected. When there is a large amount ofthis kind of information/operations present in the software, it willbenefit from the use of the browsing system—the system can provide agood idea of what kinds of information/operations are available, wherethey can be found and how they are related to each other, as well asfast access to them. To be used in conjunction with the current browsingsystem 2700, these menus/sub-menus and buttons foroperations/sub-operations can all be organized into a “book” and accessto them can be effected by the browsing system 2700 described above.

[0242] Currently, the most popular and convenient form of human-computerinterface is the “windows” interface. This interface grows out of the“desktop metaphor” in which manipulating items on a computer screen islikened to manipulating items on a desktop.

[0243] This kind of interface, though it is a vast improvement overprevious kinds of interface and is very friendly to use, still suffersfrom one of the problems of manipulating items on a desktop—a person sdesktop tends to get very messy and things are hard to find when thereare too many of them present. In the windows interface, when there are alot of sub-directories/files within a directory that cannot be fittedwithin one window or one screen, they are to be located by scrollingthrough the use of a mouse, with all the attendant problems as describedabove for the browsing of information using this method. Also, when manywindows are opened, they tend to obscure each other and those that arecurrently not in view are hard to find because their locations (in the“third dimension”—the “direction perpendicular to the screen”) are notfixed, much like a scattered collection of papers on a desktop.

[0244] The human-computer interface can be improved by organizing thesedirectories/sub-directories or temporary working windows into “books” tobe manipulated by the browsing system 2700 described above. Allinformation on the computer can be organized into one big book or morethan one book at any given moment, hence the “library metaphor”. Thereare at least three possible improvements: (a) sub-directory and fileicons that cannot be fitted onto one window/screen can be browsedthrough and better accessed if they are organized/implemented in a formto be used in conjunction with the browsing device/system 2700 describedabove FIG. 48 depicts one embodiment of this in conjunction with theflipping method depicted in FIG. 17 of moving through the document:items 2801—directories/sub-directories or files—in a window 2805 areplaced in the pages of the computer book 2800 which is an instance ofthe computer book 1000 depicted in FIG. 17; (b) sub-directories 2815(FIG. 49) and files 2816 that are normally found in windows 2814 in thecurrent window-based systems can be organized into chapters, sections,etc. in a computer book 2820 (an instance of the computer book 1000depicted in FIG. 17) instead and used in conjunction with the browsingsystem 2700, an embodiment of which is depicted in FIG. 49; and FIG. 50items that are being worked on, either collections of files andsub-directories or the current working areas in a software (such as aword-processor) which current systems present in “windows”, can beorganized into pages in a “scrap book” to be used in conjunction withthe browsing system 2700 with its attendant advantages. FIG. 50 depictsone embodiment of this in conjunction with the flipping method depictedin FIG. 17 of moving through the document. Either each window 2825 mapsonto one page or many windows 2825 can map onto one page in a computerbook 2830 (an instance of the computer book 1000 depicted in FIG. 17).

[0245]FIG. 51 describes a method for displaying a computer-based set ofinformation on a display screen controlled by the inventive browsingdevice. Step S1 displays a thickness image of a set of informationcorresponding to the size of a data file which holds the set ofinformation. The thickness image includes a left side portion and aright side portion which are displayed on the display screen. The leftside portion of the thickness image is displayed on the left side of thescreen and is proportional to an amount of the information that precedesa given point in the set of information that is currently beingdisplayed on the display screen. The right-hand portion of the thicknessimage is displayed on the right-hand side of the display and isproportional to an amount of the information that comes after the pointas currently displayed on the display screen. For example, if thecurrently displayed point is near the end of the document, the lefthandside of the display will have a thickness image that appears thickerthan that on the right-hand side.

[0246] After step S1, the process flows to step S2 where all existingfinger-bookmarks are displayed in a first image format. Then, in stepS3, all existing permanent-bookmarks, are displayed in a second format.Both the finger-bookmarks and the permanent-bookmarks are displayed inthe location in the thickness display corresponding to the locations ofthe material they bookmark. Then the process flows to step S4 where theuser elects to bookmark the currently viewed material and a new bookmark(finger-bookmark or permanent bookmark) is added to the display. AfterS4, the process flows to step S5 where a position within the set ofinformation is jumped to in response to a jump position indicated by theinstrument (e.g., the user's finger). Once the position is jumped to,the process ends.

[0247]FIG. 52 describes a method for browsing a computer-based set ofinformation. The process starts in step S11 where a move command isgenerated to move a pointer through a set of information hosted on thecomputer either in a forward direction or a backward direction. Theprocess then flows to step S12 where the pointer is moved in response tothe command that was generated in step S11. The process then flows tostep S13 where the speed of movement of the pointer through theinformation is adjusted. The process then flows to step S14 where a jumpcommand is received. The process then flows to step S15 where a pointeris moved to a jump position in response to the received jump command.The process then moves to step S16 where a bookmark command is receivedto mark a desired portion of text or graphics information from the setof information. A user enters the bookmark command based on the desiredportion of textual graphics. The process then moves to step S17 wherethe desired portion is marked in the set of information corresponding tothe received bookmark command, after which the process ends.

[0248]FIG. 53 is flowchart for a computer-interface process. The processstarts in step S20 where a set of information hosted on the computer isarranged in a set of books. Each of the books includes a subset of theinformation from the set of information hosted on the computer. Oncearranged, the process flows to step S21 where each of the books islabeled with a respective portion of the subset of informationcorresponding with each book. The process then flows to step S22 where,based on user input, a user can select a selected book by first viewingbooks which are displayed as a single book document image. The bookdocument image is made up of individual pages that correspond to therespective portions of the books. The process then flows to step S23where a command is generated, as actuated by the user, to move throughthe pages so that a user can view the individual pages and select adesired book. The process then flows to step S24 where the pages of thebook are displayed in an animated image where the pages of the bookdocument are being flipped on the screen. The process then flows to stepS25 where, while viewing the animated image, the user via user input canselect one of the pages. By selecting one of the pages, the user hasselected the desired book. The process then flows to step S26 where theselected book is displayed as the image of a book document. However,pages of the selected book document include respective portions of thesubset of information corresponding to the selected book. The processthen flows to step S27 where a move command is generated for moving apointer through a subset of the pages of the selected book. The processthen flows to step S28 where an animated image is displayed of the pagesin the selected book being shown as being flipped on the screen. Theprocess then flows to step S29 where a selected book page of theselected book is selected by the user via a user input indication. Oncethe user has selected the desired book page, the process ends.

[0249] While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it will be appreciated that numerous changesand modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it isintended that the appended claims cover all those changes andmodifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In particular, a number of electromechanical embodiments havebeen described herein with regard to the controller device. In view ofthe teachings herein, it should be recognized that the electricalsignals could be generated with other devices that provide an electricalsignal and tactile feedback in reply to a user applying pressure to thecontroller. Thus, the controller need not include spring members toprovide the tactile feedback, but other bodies such as resilient solidmembers like rubber with embedded piezoelectric materials, or activeelectromechanical feedback mechanisms, such as active devices likeelectromagnetic members, or even gas inflatable bladders may be used aswell.

[0250] As one example, the above description has been provided in thecontext of displaying an e-book on a monitor of a laptop or desktopcomputer. However, the controllers and interface control methods areequally applicable in other processor-based devices that have a visualdisplay. Palm-top computers, personal digital assistants, and mobilephone displays are all equally applicable devices for hosting themechanisms and methods described herein. Furthermore, the invention isapplicable in the context of having the e-book displayed on all or justpart of a television (e.g., digital HDTV). For example, either all orjust a part of the HDTV screen can be dedicated to the display of thee-book and the controller embodiments described herein can interfacewith the television by way of a wireless (IR or RF) link to the HDTVvideo processor. Alternatively, a wired interface may be used as well,as previously discussed. Similarly, the HDTV display can be divided inhalf (or some other fraction) so that two people can use the same HDTVfor different purposes: one person can watch television, while the otherperson can read an e-book. In this embodiment, the controllers describedherein include a separate set of buttons, used to control the HDTVoperations.

[0251] Obviously numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.

1. A mechanical browsing module for controlling a display of a set ofinformation to be browsed, comprising: a body having a sensor; abrowsing control device coupled to the sensor and configured to generatea control signal with a first direction component when a force isapplied to the sensor in a first direction and a second directioncomponent when the force is applied to the sensor in a second direction;and an output port configured to output the control signal to aprocessor that controls which portion of said set of information ispresented on a display.
 2. The module of claim 1, wherein: said firstdirection is at least one of an x-direction, a y-direction, az-direction and an r-direction and said second direction is another ofthe at least one of the x-direction, the y-direction, the z-directionand the r-direction.
 3. The module of claim 1, wherein: said firstdirection is the x-direction and said second direction is thez-direction.
 4. The module of claim 3, wherein: said browsing controldevice is further configured to generate the control signal with a ycomponent when the force is applied to the sensor in a y direction. 5.The module of claim 3, wherein: said browsing control device is furtherconfigured to generate the control signal with a rotation component whenthe force is applied to the r-direction.
 6. The module of claim 1,wherein: said browsing control device is configured to provide at leastone of a force feedback and a frictional feedback as a reaction to saidforce.
 7. The module of claim 3, wherein: said control signal being acommon control signal when said force is simultaneously applied in bothsaid x direction and in said z direction.
 8. The module of claim 1,wherein: said control signal being formatted so as to be recognized bysaid processor as a request to generate at least one of aflip-a-single-page command, a continuously-flip-pages command, a movea-jump-to-cursor-to-a-desired-jump-to-location command, aselect-a-jump-to-position command, amove-a-bookmark-cursor-to-a-desired-bookmark-location command, and aninsert-a-bookmark command.
 9. A mechanical browsing module forcontrolling a display of a set of information to be browsed, comprising:a body having a sensor surface; a browsing control device coupled to thesensor surface and configured to generate a first control signal when aforce of a first predetermined magnitude is applied in a predetermineddirection to said sensor surface and configured to generate a secondcontrol signal when said force is applied at a second predeterminedmagnitude is applied in said predetermined direction to the sensorsurface, wherein said browsing control device includes a resistancemechanism configured to provide a first discrete amount of resistancewhen said force is at or below a first threshold and provide a seconddiscrete amount of resistance to said force when said force is abovesaid first threshold.
 10. The module of claim 9, wherein: saidpredetermined direction is at least one of an x-direction, ay-direction, a z-direction and an r-direction.
 11. The module of claim9, wherein: said predetermined direction is the z-direction.
 12. Themodule of claim 9, wherein: said browsing control device is configuredto generate the control signal with one of n different signal settingswhen said force is applied with a corresponding one of n differentmagnitudes.
 13. The module of claim 9, wherein: said resistancemechanism is configured to provide n different discrete amounts ofresistance that correspond with said n different magnitudes.
 14. Themodule of claim 9, wherein: said browsing control device is furtherconfigured to generate the control signal with another directioncomponent when a force is applied to the sensor in a direction otherthan the predetermined direction.
 15. The module of claim 14, wherein:said another direction component is a y-direction component when theforce is applied to the sensor in a y direction.
 16. The module of claim14, wherein: said another direction component is a x-direction componentwhen the force is applied to the sensor in a x direction.
 17. The moduleof claim 14, wherein: said another direction component is a r-directioncomponent when the force is applied to the sensor in a r direction. 18.The module of claim 9, wherein: said browsing control device isconfigured to provide at least one of a force feedback and a frictionalfeedback as a reaction to said force.
 19. The module of claim 14,wherein: said control signal being a common control signal when saidforce is simultaneously applied in both said predetermined direction andthe another direction.
 20. The module of claim 9, wherein: said controlsignal being formatted so as to be recognized by said processor as arequest to generate at least one of a flip-a-single-page command, acontinuously-flip-pages command, a movea-jump-to-cursor-to-a-desired-jump-to-location command, aselect-a-jump-to-position command, amove-a-bookmark-cursor-to-a-desired-bookmark-location command, and ainsert-a-bookmark command.
 21. The module of claim 17, wherein: thebrowsing control device is configured to translate movement in arotational direction around an axis substantially in a surface midlineregion of the sensor so as to place the axis through a center of gravityof the sensor area and parallel to one side of the sensor area.
 22. Themodule of claim 17, wherein: the browsing control device is configuredto translate movement in a rotational direction around an axis set apartfrom a surface midline region of the sensor area so as to place the axisthrough a region other than the center of gravity of the sensor area andparallel to one side of the sensor area.
 23. The module of claim 6,wherein: the browsing control device is configured to have at least tworesistance regions.
 24. The module of claim 1, wherein: the browsingcontrol device comprises a movable control platform having a horizontalmetallic pointer, a sensor surface having at least one of a groovepattern and a coating of frictional material and configured to move inunison with the movable control platform, a cover, a horizontal framehaving a horizontal electrically resistive strip coated with a thin filmresistive material, an inner side configured with a slot and, an innersurface, a horizontal spring disposed between the horizontal frame andthe movable control platform, a vertical support having an inner sideconfigured with a slot to constrain a distance the movable controlplatform can move in the z-direction, a vertical spring disposed underthe movable control platform, a small platform disposed under themovable control platform and having an edge surface, and anothervertical spring disposed under the small platform and configured toprovide a second resistance region, wherein the slot is configured toconstrain a distance the movable control platform can move in at leastone of the x-direction and the y-direction, the horizontal spring isconfigured to restore the movable control platform to at least one of aneutral x-position and a neutral y-position, the vertical spring isconfigured to provide a first resistance region and to restore themovable control platform to a neutral position of the movable controlframe, the edge surface of the small platform and a correspondinginterior surface of the frame are coated with a conductor so as to forma switch configured to generate an electrical signal to indicate thatthe second resistance region is reached, the vertical support comprisesa vertical electrically resistive strip and the movable control platformcomprises a vertical metallic pointer configured to be in contact withthe vertical electrically resistive strip so as to form a linearpotentiometer from which the position of the platform can be determined,and the horizontal electrically resistive strip and the metallic pointerare configured to form a linear potentiometer from which at least one ofthe x-position and the y-position of the platform can be determined. 25.The module of claim 24, wherein: the mechanical browsing module isconfigured to flip a single page in the set of information with a quickdepression followed by a release of the movable control platform,continuously flip pages in the set of information with an extendeddepression of the movable control platform, wherein a rate of flippingpages is proportional to a depth of depression of the movable controlplatform, and cease flipping pages in the set of information when themovable control platform returns to a neutral depth.
 26. The module ofclaim 25, wherein: the module is configured to provide a tactilefeedback regarding a rate of flipping pages, wherein said tactilefeedback is proportional to a visual display or an auditory display ofthe rate of flipping pages provided on the display.
 27. The module ofclaim 24, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to movea jump-cursor in the set of information with a movement of the movablecontrol panel in at least one of an x-direction and a y-direction to adesired set of information thickness, select a jump-to position in theset of information with a quick depression followed by a release of themovable control platform while the movable control platform is removedfrom at least one of the neutral x-position and the neutral y-position,and automatically return the jump-cursor to a non-jump position in theset of information when the movable control platform is returned to aneutral horizontal position without a quick depression followed by arelease of the movable control platform.
 28. The module of claim 24,wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to move a bookmarkcursor in the set of information on the computer to a desired set ofinformation location with a movement of the movable control panel in atleast one of an x-direction and a y-direction, insert a bookmark in theset of information with a quick depression followed by a release of themovable control platform in the z-direction while the movable controlplatform is removed from at least one of the neutral x-position and theneutral y-position, and automatically return the bookmark cursor to anon-bookmark position in the set of information when the movable controlplatform is returned to a neutral horizontal position without a quickdepression followed by a release of the movable control platform. 29.The module of claim 28, wherein: the mechanical browsing module isconfigured to create at least two separate bookmarks.
 30. The module ofclaim 29, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured tocreate at least four separate bookmarks.
 31. The module of claim 24,wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to flip a singlepage in the set of information with a quick depression in the firstresistance region, but not in the second resistance region, followed bya release of the movable control platform, continuously flip pages inthe set of information with an extended depression in the firstresistance region, but not in the second resistance region, of themovable control platform, wherein a rate of flipping pages isproportional to the depth of the movable control platform, select ajump-to position in the set of information with a quick depressionfollowed by a release of the movable control platform in the secondresistance region of the movable control platform while the movablecontrol platform is in the first resistance region of the movablecontrol platform, and cease flipping pages in the set of informationwhen the movable control platform returns to a neutral depth.
 32. Themodule of claim 24, wherein: the mechanical browsing module isconfigured to move a jump-cursor in the set of information with amovement of the movable control panel in an x-direction, select ajump-to position in the set of information with a quick lateral movementfollowed by a release of the movable control platform in the y-directionwhile the movable control platform is removed from a neutral x-position,and automatically return the jump-cursor to a non-jump position in theset of information when the movable control platform is returned to aneutral x-position without a quick lateral movement in the y-directionfollowed by a release of the movable control platform.
 33. The module ofclaim 24, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to flipa single page in the set of information with a quick lateral movementfollowed by a release of the movable control panel in at least one of anx-direction and a y-direction, continuously flip pages in the set ofinformation with a continuous holding the movable control platform inthe at least one of an x-direction and a y-direction, wherein a rate offlipping pages is proportional to a deflection distance of the movablecontrol panel in at least one of an x-position and a y-position of themovable control platform, select a jump-to position in the set ofinformation with a quick depression in the second resistance region ofthe movable control platform followed by a release of the movablecontrol platform while the movable control platform is removed from atleast one of a neutral x-position and a neutral y-position, and ceaseflipping pages in the set of information when the movable controlplatform returns to a neutral lateral position.
 34. The module of claim1, wherein: the browsing control device comprises a frame, a verticalsupport disposed on the frame having a slot and having a side surfacecoated with a strip of resistive material, a platform disposed on thevertical support and configured to move in the z-direction, a metallicpointer fixed on the platform and configured to be in contact with thestrip of resistive material, wherein the electrically resistive stripand the metallic pointer are configured to form a linear potentiometerfrom which a position of the platform is measurable, a spring with afirst resistance disposed in the slot and configured to return theplatform to a highest position allowable by the vertical support, twocylinder support posts, a cylindrical roller disposed between the twocylinder support posts and configured to rotate around a central axis ofthe cylindrical roller, a rotary potentiometer mounted between the twocylindrical supports configured to measure an angular position of thecylindrical roller, and a cylindrical roller spring connected to thecylindrical roller and configured to provide an electrically resistiverotating force when the cylindrical roller is rotated in a positiveangular direction, and to return the roller to a neutral angularposition, wherein the cylindrical roller comprises a grooved rollersurface and a tab configured to prevent the cylindrical roller fromrotating in a negative angular direction beyond the angular neutralposition.
 35. The module of claim 34, wherein: the browsing controldevice further comprises a cover disposed on top of the browsing controldevice and configured such that only a top part of the cylindricalroller is exposed and accessible.
 36. The module of claim 34, wherein:the browsing control device is configured to flip a single page in theset of information with a quick depression followed by a release of thecylindrical roller, continuously flip pages in the set of informationwith an extended depression of the movable control platform, wherein arate of flipping pages is proportional to a depth of depression of thecylindrical roller, and cease flipping pages in the set of informationwhen the cylindrical roller returns to a neutral depth.
 37. The moduleof claim 34, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured tomove a jump-cursor in the set of information with a rotation of thecylindrical roller, select a jump-to position in the set of informationwith a quick depression followed by a release of the cylindrical rollerwhile the cylindrical roller is removed from a neutral rotationalposition, and automatically return the jump-cursor to a non-jumpposition in the set of information when the cylindrical roller isreturned to a neutral rotational position without a quick depressionfollowed by a release of the cylindrical roller.
 38. The module of claim1, wherein: the browsing control device further comprises, anothervertical spring disposed under the cylindrical roller, connected to theframe, and configured to provide a second resistance region, and a smallplatform having an edge surface and disposed on the another verticalspring, wherein the edge surface of the small platform and acorresponding interior surface of the frame are coated with a conductorso as to form a switch configured to generate an electrical signal toindicate that the second resistance region is reached.
 39. The module ofclaim 38, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to flipa single page in the set of information with a quick depression in thefirst resistance region, but not in the second resistance region,followed by a release of the cylindrical roller, continuously flip pagesin the set of information with an extended depression in the firstresistance region, but not in the second resistance region, of thecylindrical roller, wherein a rate of flipping pages is proportional tothe position of the cylindrical roller, and select a jump-to position inthe set of information with a quick depression followed by a release ofthe cylindrical roller in the second resistance region of thez-direction while the cylindrical roller is in the first resistanceregion.
 40. The module of claim 1, wherein: the browsing control devicecomprises a frame with a vertical post, said vertical post havingresistive coating strip, a pivot controller casing disposed on verticalspring and having a vertical wall and a pivot strip, wherein said pivotstrip has a first side and a second side a metallic pointer disposed onthe vertical wall of the pivot controller casing a pivot controllerconfigured to pivot around the pivot strip, a rotary potentiometermounted to at least one of the first side and the second side of thepivot strip and configured to measure the a pivot position of the pivotcontroller, a horizontal pivot controller spring disposed in the pivotcontroller casing and configured to return the pivot controller to aneutral pivot position, and a vertical spring with a first resistanceregion disposed on the frame and configured to provide a firstresistance region and return the pivot controller to a neutral depth,wherein the resistive coating strip and the metallic pointer areconfigured to form a linear potentiometer from which the depth of thepivot controller is determinable.
 41. The module of claim 40, wherein:the browsing control device further comprises a cover disposed on top ofthe browsing control device and configured such that only a top part ofthe pivot controller is exposed and accessible.
 42. The module of claim40, wherein: the browsing control device is configured to flip a singlepage in the set of information with a quick depression followed by arelease of the pivot controller, continuously flip pages in the set ofinformation with an extended depression in of the pivot controller,wherein a rate of flipping pages is proportional to a depth of the pivotcontroller, and cease flipping pages in the set of information when thepivot controller returns to the neutral depth.
 43. The module of claim40, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to move ajump-cursor in the set of information with a movement of the pivotcontroller around the pivot strip, select a jump-to position in the setof information with a quick depression followed by a release of thepivot controller while the pivot controller is removed from a neutralpivot position, and automatically return the jump-cursor to a non-jumpposition in the set of information when the pivot controller is returnedto a neutral pivot position without a quick depression followed by arelease of the pivot controller.
 44. The module of claim 40, wherein:the browsing control device further comprises another vertical springdisposed under the pivot controller casing, connected to the frame, andconfigured to provide a second resistance region, and a small platformhaving an edge surface and disposed on the another vertical spring,wherein an edge surface of the small platform and a correspondinginterior surface of the pivot controller casing are coated with aconductor so as to form a switch configured to generate an electricalsignal to indicate that the second resistance region is reached.
 45. Themodule of claim 44, wherein: the mechanical browsing module isconfigured to flip a single page in the set of information with a quickdepression in the first resistance region, but not in the secondresistance region, followed by a release of the pivot controller,continuously flip pages in the set of information with an extendeddepression in the first resistance region, but not in the secondresistance region, of the pivot controller, wherein a rate of flippingpages is proportional to the position of the pivot controller, andselect a jump-to position in the set of information by a quickdepression in the second resistance region followed by a release of thepivot controller while the pivot controller is in the first resistance.46. The module of claim 1, wherein: the browsing control devicecomprises a frame with a two vertical posts, an axle disposed betweenthe two vertical posts and having an rotary potentiometer configured tomeasure a degree of axle rotation, a rotational spring disposed on theaxle and configured to provide a first resistance region, a buttoncontroller casing having an end disposed on the axle, an interior edge,a slot disposed in the interior edge, and a top edge surface, anelectrically resistive strip disposed on the top edge surface of thebutton controller casing, a button controller having an exterior edgeand disposed in the button controller casing, a metallic pointerdisposed on the button controller, a horizontal spring disposed betweenthe exterior edge of the button controller and an interior edge of thebutton controller casing perpendicular to the interior edge having theslot, and a post disposed on the frame and abutting an end of the buttoncontroller casing parallel to and opposite of the end of the buttoncontroller disposed on the axle, wherein the post has a tab configuredto constrain an angular movement of the button controller around theaxle.
 47. The module of claim 46, wherein: the browsing control devicefurther comprises a cover disposed on top of the browsing control deviceand configured such that only a top part of the button controller isexposed and accessible.
 48. The module of claim 46, wherein: thebrowsing control device is configured to flip a single page in the setof information with a quick depression followed by a release of thebutton controller, continuously flip pages in the set of informationwith an extended depression in of the button controller, wherein a rateof flipping pages is proportional to a depth of depression of the buttoncontroller, and cease flipping pages in the set of information when thebutton controller returns to a neutral depth.
 49. The module of claim46, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to move ajump-cursor in the set of information with a movement of the buttoncontroller horizontally from a neutral position toward the axle, selecta jump-to position in the set of information with a quick depressionfollowed by a release of the button controller while the buttoncontroller is removed from the neutral position, and automaticallyreturn the jump-cursor to a non-jump position in the set of informationwhen the button controller is returned to the neutral position without aquick depression followed by a release of the button controller.
 50. Themodule of claim 46, wherein: the browsing control device furthercomprises at least one of a vertical spring disposed under button casingand having a small platform, and an other rotational spring disposed onthe axle, wherein the vertical spring and the other rotational springare configured to provide a second resistance region.
 51. The module ofclaim 50, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured to flipa single page in the set of information with a quick depression in thefirst resistance region, but not in the second resistance region,followed by a release of the button controller, continuously flip pagesin the set of information with an extended depression in the firstresistance region, but not in the second resistance region, of thebutton controller, wherein a rate of flipping pages is proportional to adepth of the button controller, and select a jump-to position in the setof information with a quick depression in the second resistance regionof the button controller followed by a release of the button controllerwhile the button controller is in the first resistance region.
 52. Themodule of claim 1, wherein: the browsing control device comprises acylindrical pivot having a fixed pivot axis, a rotary potentiometerdisposed on the cylindrical pivot, a coupling bar having an end portionrigidly coupled to the fixed pivot axis of the cylindrical pivot andhaving another end portion, wherein the another end portion has a firstside and a second side, a button disposed on the cylindrical pivot, acasing having an edge with a plunger hole and another edge without aplunger hole, an electrically resistive strip disposed on the anotheredge without a plunger hole, a first spring connecting the first side ofthe another end portion of the coupling bar to the casing, wherein thefirst spring is configured to form a first resistance region, a couplingbar metallic contact disposed on the second side of the another endportion of the coupling bar, a plunger disposed in the plunger hole,wherein the plunger has a first end, a second end, a platform on thefirst end of the plunger, a plunger metallic contact disposed on theplatform, a metallic pointer on the second end of the plunger, a secondspring disposed on the plunger and configured to form a secondresistance region, wherein the coupling bar metallic contact and theplunger metallic contact are configured to connect and to provide anelectrical signal when the button enters the second resistance region,and the metallic pointer and the electrically resistive strip areconfigured to form a linear potentiometer configured to measure a depthof depression of the plunger.
 53. The module of claim 52, wherein: thebrowsing control device further comprises a cover disposed on top of thebrowsing control device and configured such that only a top part of thebutton is exposed and accessible.
 54. The module of claim 52, wherein:the browsing control device is configured to flip a single page in theset of information with a quick depression of the button, continuouslyflip pages in the set of information with an extended depression of thebutton, wherein a rate of flipping pages is proportional to a depth ofdepression of the button, and cease flipping pages in the set ofinformation when the button returns to a neutral depth.
 55. The moduleof claim 52, wherein: the mechanical browsing module is configured toflip a single page in the set of information with a quick depression inthe first resistance region, but not in the second resistance region,followed by a release of the button, continuously flip pages in the setof information with an extended depression in the first resistanceregion, but not in the second resistance region, of the rotating button,wherein a rate of flipping pages is proportional to a depth ofdepression of the rotating button, and select a jump-to position in theset of information with a quick depression in the second resistanceregion followed by a release of the button while the button is in thefirst resistance region.
 56. The module of claim 52, wherein: themechanical browsing module is configured to generate at least one of aflip, a jump-to, and a bookmark signal with at least two rapiddepressions of the button.
 57. The module of claim 56, wherein: themechanical browsing module comprises a customized pairing between buttonoperations and at least one of the flip, the jump-to, and the bookmarksignal, and a default signal when the plunger reaches a displacementlimit.
 58. A mechanical browsing module for browsing computerinformation, comprising: a browsing control device disposed on thesensor area of the body and configured to detect a force applied to thebrowsing control device in at least one of an x-direction, ay-direction, a z-direction and a rotational direction and to provide atleast one of a force feedback and a frictional feedback; means forgenerating a direction of movement command; means for generating a speedof movement command; means for generating a jump to a specified locationcommand; and means for generating a bookmark command.